Charlie Jenkins holds a distinguished position as one of the pioneering legends in New Zealand's racing history

CHARLIE JENKINS was born in Otaki, the son of William Jenkins, a whaler who established residence in the region in 1836. Charlie was one of twelve siblings. His father, Bill, had a strong affinity for the sea, but like many early settlers also maintained a close connection with horses, continuing to ride at the age of 70. Charlie's passion for horses, inherited from his father, led him to his initial role as a farmhand in Horowhenua. His proficiency quickly advanced, culminating in his first race day victory at the age of 13. By the age of 14, Jenkins had already secured six wins, foreshadowing a distinguished career.

Charlie Jenkins commenced his apprenticeship with trainer W. Holmes in Bulls, subsequently dedicating nine years to refining his expertise and establishing a distinguished reputation for his exceptional skill and horsemanship. Upon completion of his apprenticeship, he was recognised as one of New Zealand's most accomplished riders. As his career progressed, Charlie gained the approval of Joshua Prosser, a distinguished trainer within the Wellington region. Prosser had developed an exceptional training facility in Poiriua where he prepared some star thoroughbreds.

Jenkins' collaboration with Prosser would prove to be a pivotal point in his professional career. Charlie served as the primary jockey for 'the Black Demon,' ADVANCE, guiding the horse to victory in 19 out of 33 starts, which included notable wins such as the Canterbury Gold Cup, the Dunedin Cup, and Australian Stakes races. His crowning glory came in the 1901 Wellington Cup in record time carrying 10st 4lbs (65kg). He also demonstrated exceptional proficiency in winning hack races, with renowned jockey Hector Grey stating that Charlie was the most formidable competitor he ever encountered.

Jenkins achieved remarkable success with the exceptional thoroughbred, ACHILLES, who secured 25 victories in 46 starts, thereby establishing himself as one of the preeminent competitors of that period. Owners benefited greatly from Jenkins skills and another pinnacle was when he rode TORTELLA to win the only NZ Cup victory he would score.

Charlie Jenkins enjoyed an illustrious career in the saddle spanning several decades, establishing himself as one of New Zealand's most accomplished jockeys. He secured the national Jockey Premiership on seven occasions during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, achieving a remarkable 728 victories. From 1900 to 1910, he consistently outperformed his contemporaries, leading the field in race victories. The champion jockey of the early 1900s Charlie Jenkins was inducted into the NZ Racing Hall of Fame in 2025.

Riding was in the family DNA, and the Jenkins name is synonymous with horse racing in New Zealand, dating back to the 19th century.

Gary Jenkins father, Ashley, was the successful jumps rider for four seasons in the late 1930s and early 40s, and his brother Ray [‘Bubs’] was also highly successful as a leading flat rider. JENNY LOU was the first of many flat winners for Gary. His forte was over the jumps. He won the Grand National Steeplechase at Riccarton twice, on FAIRHOME [1952] and aboard WOTAN’S GOLD [1956], the Grand National Hurdles on JUDGE [1957], the Waikato Steeplechase on YETI [1965], and the 1967 Great Northern Hurdles and Winter Hurdles on BEYOND. Gary also won the Hawke’s Bay Steeplechase four times, the Whanganui Steeplechase three times, and the Egmont Steeplechase twice.