

As we gear up for five consecutive weekends of Group 1 action in France and Britain, it’s evident that the curtain is about to fall on the 2023 Flat season, and it’s doing so with a resounding bang rather than a whimper. As reported on 24 September, these upcoming turf events will not only serve as thrilling final showdowns but also signify the end of an era in British horse racing.
One notable figure bidding farewell to the racing world is William Jarvis, who, after an impressive 38-year career holding a training license, will send out his last runner. This moment marks the closing of a remarkable family training dynasty and he has something to say.
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The end of an era
In a recent Twitter post by TDN, they shared a picture of William Jarvis with his son Jack and Emma Banks, celebrating Lady Bowthorpe’s Nassau victory in 2023. The caption reads, ?The game has changed completely, that’s for sure, and whether it’s changed for the better is for other people to comment on.? Also, Emma Berry was tagged in the post, The tweet further says, ?focuses on William Jarvis? retirement in this week?s Seven Days.?
🗣️ “The game has changed completely, that's for sure, and whether it's changed for the better is for other people to comment on.”@CollingsBerry focuses on William Jarvis’ retirement in this week’s Seven Days. https://t.co/e19ukU3l2S
— TDN (@theTDN) September 26, 2023
From the tweet, it’s clear that the 62-year-old William Jarvis, with 38 years of experience at Phantom House Stables on Fordham Road, represents the final chapter in a storied lineage of Newmarket trainers tracing back to the 1880s. He followed in the footsteps of his father Ryan, gaining recognition with his first victory when Dorset Cottage, owned by Sheikh Mohammed, triumphed at Beverley in June 1985. As per the Racing Post report, these forthcoming races mark the end of Britain’s longest-running family training tradition, with William Jarvis retiring after nearly four decades as a licensed trainer. His heritage runs deep, with a legacy that spans generations, including notable relatives from the Leader, Rickaby, and Hall families.
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Jarvis’s horse racing milestones
William Jarvis has achieved remarkable success throughout his career, notably as the trainer of Grand Lodge and Lady Bowthorpe, both of whom reached the pinnacle of racing with Group 1 victories. Grand Lodge made an unforgettable debut by winning his first race by a staggering six lengths.
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Also, Lady Bowthorpe has made an incredible journey from being a handicapper with a mark of 78 to a Group 1 champion. Jarvis’s early career also featured the talented stayer Weld, who enjoyed a fantastic five-timer during the 1989 campaign, including impressive wins at Royal Ascot and in the Doncaster Cup and Jockey Club Cup.
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?William Jarvis has announced his retirement, marking the end of a remarkable Newmarket training dynasty that has endured for over 140 years. With a legacy steeped in the rich tradition of horse racing, Jarvis leaves behind a lasting imprint on the sport.
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