Little John was the second-in-command of Robin Hood’s (qv) band of Merry Men, a group of outlaws who robbed from the rich to give to the poor. Folk stories about them date back to the late 14th century. A 17th century ballad described Little John as seven feet tall – hence the ironic name – and imagined his first meeting with Robin Hood as a fight whereby Robin wanted to cross a narrow log bridge that Little John was guarding.
NOTTINGHAM
Little John and Robin Hood are convenient stand-bys for race names at Nottinghamshire meetings, though the Little John Maiden Stakes was run regularly at Nottingham from 1967-84. Since then he has made isolated appearances in 1991, 1992, 2003 and 2006.
SOUTHWELL
Southwell, in the same county, had Little John races in 1992 and 1997 but excelled itself on Thursday 30 December 1999 by staging a Class B Showcase Handicap Chase of that name. It was won by the novice Cenkos off a mark of 127. He became a top two-miler, winning a Tingle Creek and rated 169 at his peak. Other races on the card were named after Will Scarlet, Robin Hood, King John, Friar Tuck and Maid Marion. Due to abandonments elsewhere it was the only meeting that day, and no sponsors filled the breach – allowing a clear sight of six names redolent of local history/myth.