Former jockey John Lowe, one of the most familiar figures on Britain’s northern racing circuit, has died at the age of 75.
Lowe died in hospital in Perth, Western Australia, on Monday after suffering a stroke. Jockeys racing in Britain wore black armbands on Tuesday as a mark of respect.
During a long and distinguished career, Lowe rode more than 2,000 winners worldwide. Among his most memorable successes was Mellottie’s victory in the Cambridgeshire, while Goodbye Shelley provided him with a major international triumph in the Group 1 Prix Marcel Boussac at Longchamp.
Another remarkable achievement came at Royal Ascot in 1978, when Lowe partnered Mountain Cross to two victories during the same meeting, winning both the Ascot Stakes and the Queen Alexandra Stakes.
Cock O’ The North
In 1984, Lowe earned the title of Cock O’ The North, recognising him as the leading jockey at northern racecourses during that year’s Flat turf season.
After retiring from race riding, Lowe remained closely involved with the sport and later rode work for trainer Roger Varian in Newmarket. He moved to Australia with his wife, Gale, in 2024 to be closer to their family.
John Lowe will be remembered for his longevity, international success and particularly strong association with racing in the north of England. His achievement in becoming Cock O’ The North adds a fitting distinction to the career of a jockey who rode successfully around the world.