Samuel Chifney
| Samuel Chifney | |
|---|---|
Samuel Chifney with "Sir David" (by Henry Bernard Chalon) | |
| Occupation | Jockey |
| Born | 1753 Northwold, Norfolk |
| Died | 8 September 1807 (aged 53–54) London |
| Major racing wins | |
| British Classic Race wins: Epsom Derby (1789) Epsom Oaks (1782, 1783, 1789, 1790) | |
| Significant horses | |
| Skyscraper, Ceres, Hippolyta, Maid of the Oaks, Tag, Escape | |
Samuel "Sam" Chifney (c. 1753 – 8 January 1807), also known as Sam Chifney Sr., Sam Chifney the Elder or Old Sam Chifney to distinguish him from his son, was an English jockey. He was a pioneer of professional race-riding, developing a trademark late finishing style, known as the 'Chifney rush' and was the retained jockey of the Prince of Wales. He became the leading horseman of his day, winning four runnings of the Oaks and one of the Derby, but his career ended in ignominy after a scandal around a ride on the Prince of Wales's horse, Escape. Despite inventing a bit for horses that is still in use today, he died in debtors' prison in London.