On this day, the 2 June, 1871, the English jockey, George Stevens [1833-1871], died from a fractured skull, aged 38.

Stevens began his riding career at around the age of 16 or 17, and at the age of 18 rode Hardwick to victory in the Grand Annual steeple chase at Wolverhampton in 1851. From the beginning of 1848 to 1870 he won 76 races, finding fame by riding five winners in the Grand National, including Freetrader, 1856; Emblem, 1863; Emblematic, 1864; and The Colonel, 1869,1870. 

The Grand National steeplechase race was first run since in the early 19 century, and has been held annually at Aintree in Liverpool since its creation in 1836.

The steeplechase became extremely popular shortly after horse-racing became well liked as a sport. The early courses over which the races were run were unmarked, and commenced from a designated spot and usually ended parallel to a common landmark, such as a church steeple. From which it is said the name steeplechase was derived.

Stevens died after suffering a fracture of the skull, the day after his horse bolted, stumbled and threw him, as he was quietly riding home to his cottage on Cleeve Hill.

2 June, 2019