Victorian Vanity Fair Cartoon, ‘Sam Loates’, by Spy, dated Nov 5th 1896

Sam Loates (1864-1932), one of the most successful jockeys of the era. He was featured in Vanity Fair's 'Men of the Day' series No. 662. Loates was one of four jockey brothers, the perfect build for the sport; lightweight, short-legged and small. He rode his first winner at 17 and in 1889 was champion jockey with 160 wins. He had an exceptional career with numerous classic wins, the last being the St. Leger on Visto.