Sam Loates

Samuel Loates (1865–1932) was a British thoroughbred horse racing jockey who became the Champion Jockey of 1899. Born into a racing family, he and his three brothers were active as jockeys around the turn of the 20th century. His brother Tommy was particularly notable, having preceded Samuel as Champion Jockey.

Loates began his career at 17, winning his first race. He achieved significant success in major races, including two Derby wins (Harvester in 1884 and Sir Visto in 1895), a hat-trick of Classics in 1895 with Sir Visto (Derby and St. Leger) and La Sagesse (Oaks), and victories in the 1,000 Guineas (Nun Nicer in 1898) and 2,000 Guineas (Disraeli in 1898). He also won the Ascot Gold Cup in 1899.

In 1899, despite competition from American jockeys, Loates secured his only championship with 160 winners. He signed a lucrative three-year deal with Sir John Blundell Maple, earning £2,000 annually plus additional bonuses for each win. However, in 1902, after breaking his thigh and temporarily losing his licence, the agreement was terminated over disputes about his physical fitness to continue.

After retiring from racing, Loates became a trainer, working for Solomon Joel and managing Derby winner Pommern.

Major wins included two Derbys, two 1,000 Guineas races, and several other prestigious events.