George Fordham

George Fordham (1837–1887) was a British flat racing jockey. He was Champion Jockey every year between 1855 and 1863, as well as four other occasions in his own right and once as joint champion. He then won the Derby in 1879, won the Oaks five times, and the Grand Prix de Paris three times. His career high was 165 wins in 1862. He was described in 1910 as "one of the greatest jockeys of all-time".

Fordham was devoted to his family. He was never known to give a vote for a parliamentary candidate in his life. He was extremely reticent on horse-racing, had a deep aversion to gambling of all kinds, and was anxious to keep his son from following him into a career on the turf. His own career was scrupulously honourable. He did, however, perform somewhat below his best on one occasion. Riding for Sir John Astley at Lewes, he was beaten a head in a close finish by a horse belonging to Mrs Drewitt the widow of his old master. Afterwards, he confessed to Sir John, "Well, you know, Mrs Drewitt has not been able to pay her rent, and all through the race I could not help thinking of that damned rent, and, you know, I ought just to have won'.

He left an estate of £19,903 on his death.