From Jump Jockey to Surveyor

30/03/2007

Once described by racehorse trainer John Upson as ‘naturally gifted but daft as a brush’ ex jump jockey Jimmy James proved him wrong. Forced to give up a very promising career after a nasty fall, Jimmy James went back to education, gained a first class honours degree in Land Management and is now enjoying a successful career as a senior commercial valuer with Aitchison Raffety.

As the Grand National weekend approaches, Jimmy looks back with nostalgia at his short lived career as a jump jockey. “Though I never rode in the race I did race at Aintree and I had the opportunity to ride two Grand National winners and two times runner up, Suny Bay.”

Suny Bay was owned by Andrew Cohen of Wood Hall Securities and Glenmore Group, whilst Rough Quest the 1996 National winner which Jimmy rode out was owned by Andrew Wates. Jimmy also used to ride for trainer Jenny Pitman and was part of the team which achieved National success with Royal Athlete.

Although he never rode in the big race, James did take part in a Grand National – one with a difference. After the debacle of the 1993 event which was declared void, jockeys took part in a Human Grand National at Towcester race course in aid of charity.

Nowadays, his days are taken up with carrying out commercial valuations from Aitchison Raffety’s Milton Keynes office, though he still finds time to ride out for John Upson at weekends.