James White

James White (19 July 1828 – 13 July 1890) was a pastoralist, politician in colonial New South Wales, a member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly and later, the New South Wales Legislative Council. White was best known as a racehorse owner, breeder and punter.

Early life White was born in Stroud, New South Wales, the eldest son of overseer James White and Sarah Crossman. He was educated at The King's School for four years and then by the Reverend John Gregor at West Maitland. On 9 July 1856 he married Emily Elizabeth Arndell at Merton,

He did a fair share of work in pioneering country on the Barwon, Hunter, and Castlereagh Rivers, and was almost uniformly successful in his enterprises. In 1868 White went to England, and remained away several years, during which time he visited all the principal cities of Europe. serving until his resignation in May 1868. After his return from Europe, he stood again for the Upper Hunter in 1872 but was defeated. He was nominated to the New South Wales Legislative Council on 3 November 1874, a position he held until his death. He did not hold any ministerial or parliamentary office.

Horse racing As a racing man, White was first known in connection with a steeplechaser called Hotspur, who won the A.J.C. Steeplechase in 1876. His first notable racehorse was Chester, who was trained in conjunction with Roodee by Etienne L. de Mestre, and in 1877 won the double—Victoria Derby and Melbourne Cup. Another of his horses, Democrat, won the Sydney Cup and Metropolitan in 1878, and in the spring of 1879 Palmyra won Mr. White his first Maribyrnong Plate. From around 1880 his horses were trained by Michael Fennelly at the Big Stable Newmarket in Randwick.

In 1880 Sapphire won the Oaks, and The Pontiff the AJC Metropolitan Handicap, and in 1883 Iolanthe won for him the Maribyrnong Plate, and Martini-Henry carried off the double—Derby and Melbourne Cup. Finding that from failing health he could not stand the excitement of a close attention to racing, Mr. White sold all his horses in training and yearlings in April 1890, and they realised phenomenal prices.

He was a long time member of the Australian Jockey Club, joining the committee and then becoming chairman in 1880, serving until his retirement in January 1890.