William Jarvis’s retirement marks a significant moment, not only for his family name but for the historic racing town of Newmarket. With a legacy stretching back to the 1880s, the Jarvis name has been synonymous with horse training in the area. William, who began his training career at Phantom House Stables in 1985, followed in the footsteps of his father, Ryan. His formative years in racing were enriched by experiences with esteemed Australian trainers Tommy Smith and George Hanlon, and later as an assistant to the legendary Henry Cecil during a particularly successful period for his stable. Over his 38-year career, Jarvis trained more than 700 winners, including notable horses like Grand Lodge, a victor of the Dewhurst and St. James’s Palace Stakes, and the beloved Lady Bowthorpe, who clinched the 2021 Nassau Stakes. At 63, Jarvis is retiring earlier than anticipated, citing economic challenges and a diminishing number of horses available for training.
A Lifelong Passion for Racing
Jarvis recounts his father’s reluctance for him to enter the demanding profession of horse training, a warning he ultimately chose to heed. His early immersion in the sport began around the age of 12 or 13, riding racehorses on the Newmarket Heath. Despite his youthful appearance, he was fortunate to gain opportunities as an amateur rider. Being only 18 when his father retired in 1979, Jarvis was too young to take over the stables immediately. This led him to Australia for a year, where he worked as a strapper for Tommy Smith and later gained significant responsibility under the guidance of George Hanlon. He then moved to assist Henry Cecil at Warren Place, an experience he describes as a highlight of his life. This period was marked by the presence of exceptional horses such as Ardross, Fairy Footsteps, Le Moss, and Light Cavalry, providing him with invaluable learning opportunities under a highly gifted trainer.
Training for Established Owners and Breeding
Jarvis recalls the distinct pleasure of training his first winner for Sheikh Mohammed. However, he emphasizes that in his early years, the greatest satisfaction came from training for England’s long-established owner-breeders, such as Lord Howard De Walden and Jim Joel. These owners, who never sold their foals or yearlings and gave every horse a chance, represented a tradition that has sadly diminished in modern racing. Weld, a formidable stayer trained for Lord Howard, achieved five consecutive victories, including prestigious races like the Queen’s Vase, the Lonsdale, the Doncaster Cup, and the Jockey Club Cup in 1989. Grand Lodge, whom Jarvis considers his best-trained horse, also belonged to Lord Howard.
The Brilliance of Grand Lodge
Grand Lodge is remembered as a physically beautiful horse with an excellent temperament, identified as a potential champion early in his career. Despite an uncharacteristic poor performance at two, later attributed to a blood issue, his potential was undeniable. Following victories in the Somerville Tattersalls and the Dewhurst Stakes – a race for which he was bravely supplemented – Grand Lodge was crowned Europe’s champion juvenile. While Pat Eddery rode him in these key races, Frankie Dettori, who had ridden him previously, partnered him in the Guineas. Dettori’s exceptional ride saw Grand Lodge narrowly beaten by a short head. Jarvis reflects on this close finish with a touch of lingering disappointment, wondering if a different outcome might have occurred with Eddery’s guidance. Grand Lodge proved to be a resilient horse, competing at the highest level, and his champion status was cemented with a thrilling victory in the St. James’s Palace Stakes under Mick Kinane, who rode him for the first time.
A Rewarding Victory with Lady Bowthorpe
The triumph of Lady Bowthorpe in another Group 1 race, after a considerable interval, brought William Jarvis immense joy, comparable to his earlier major wins. This victory was particularly special as his children were old enough to fully appreciate the achievement. His long-standing association with the Banks family also added to the significance of the win. Following Julie Cecil’s retirement, Jarvis had enjoyed successful times training for Emma’s uncle, Michael, and expressed hope that he had contributed to Emma’s successful path as an owner-breeder with Lady Bowthorpe.
The Changing Landscape of Horse Racing
Jarvis observes that horse racing has become increasingly polarized, with larger stables growing more dominant and smaller operations facing significant challenges. He considers himself fortunate to have inherited a yard without the burden of a mortgage or rent, acknowledging the escalating difficulties for trainers outside the elite. Despite these pressures, the sport retains its allure through the emergence of talented horses like Shaquille, Regional, and Lady Bowthorpe, which provide the motivation for trainers. However, he also highlights the growing concern over staffing, noting that securing and retaining skilled employees is a primary challenge for racehorse trainers today, irrespective of prize money.
A New Chapter and Continued Involvement
With fewer horses available, many have remained in Newmarket. Dylan Cunha has been renting boxes at Jarvis’s yard for some time, with plans to take over the training facilities. Jarvis intends to remain in his house on the property. He acknowledges the current tough climate but wishes Cunha success, noting that Cunha already has a promising horse in Silver Sword, an above-average talent who won a handicap at the Ebor meeting. While racing politics can be frustrating, Jarvis hopes to remain involved in the sport, leveraging his extensive experience and resilience to benefit an organization. He believes a role similar to that of Chris Wall, who works with owners of successful horses like Eldar Eldarov and Vandeek, would be an ideal fit.
Reflecting on a Fulfilling Career
When asked if he would repeat his career, Jarvis responds with an unequivocal “Absolutely, without hesitation.” He cherishes the many fabulous days and the opportunity to travel the world, meeting a diverse range of remarkable people. He estimates that he has enjoyed 98% of his career, with the remaining 2% faded from memory.
