This black and white image was presented to John at Edgar’s Avalon home in the late 1990’s. Edgar in fact removed the photo from his personal album. John says the snap was taken at either Bombay or Poona at the height of the racing season.
The trio were seated on wicker chairs as they discussed the events of the day. Sid Meekings rode successfully on the widespread Indian circuit at a time when Australian jockeys were falling over themselves to get to the “racing mad” jurisdiction.
Seated on the right is Edgar Britt who enjoyed a successful decade in India riding for the Maharajahs of Kolhapur, Kashmir and Baroda - all fabulously wealthy men whose racehorses became members of their families. Britt was champion jockey in India from 1942-45 and was a four time winner of the country’s biggest race the Eclipse Stakes.
The Maharajah of Baroda (centre of photo) ruled his state from 1939-1949 after which it was assimilated into the Indian Union. He survived as a titular ruler until 1951 when deposed by the Indian Government and exiled to the UK. He took some of his better horses with him and purchased a few new ones in subsequent years. Edgar Britt decided to accompany Baroda to England and never regretted the decision.
John Piggott isn't sure of the location, but believes it's either Bombay or Poona late 1930s. Left is Sid Meekings, centre The Maharajah of Beroda and right is Edgar Britt. All three were seated on wicker chairs as they discussed the day's racing.
He became a very popular jockey over the next fourteen years in England riding 1400 winners including the Oaks twice, the St Leger twice, the 1000 Guineas twice and the 2000 Guineas. He and the Maharajah combined to win a St Leger and Irish Derby with Sayajirao.
Edgar was only 47 when he retired from race riding in 1959 and returned to Australia to become a respected commentator and columnist. The Aussie icon passed away in 2017 at age 103.
I was privileged to visit him at a Gold Coast nursing home a year before his death. He chatted about old times with fluency and amazing recall. I enjoyed every minute of every conversation I ever had with Edgar Clive Britt OAM.
(Banner image - A proud Maharajah of Baroda leads Golden Fawn back to the winners circle after one of his two Eclipse Stakes wins in the 1930s)