Mr. William Janaway, an Old Colonist, who long took a prominent part in racing matters in Canterbury, was born in 1833 in Chilton, near Hungerford, Berkshire, England. He was brought up as a groom, and was employed in Drinkall's stables, in Lamburn, Berkshire, and afterwards at Tom Parrs' stables, Upper Lamburn, and while there rode his first race as a jockey. Before leaving for New Zealand he was groom and coachman to Alderman Carter, afterwards Lord Mayor of London. Arriving in Lyttelton in 1852, per ship “Duke of Portland,” he became groom to Mr. Watts Russell, of “Ham,” and had charge of the two entires, “Canterbury” and “Shamrock.” Mr. Janaway subsequently went into business in Kaiapoi as a horse-breaker and livery stablekeeper, and continued as such for seventeen years. Removing to Christchurch, he was a driver for various employers until 1890. As a jockey Mr. Janaway had his first mount in New Zealand in Hagley Park in December, 1852, and was well known as a rider for many years. He won the first steeplechases at Papanui and at Kaiapoi. Mr. Janaway, who had been twice married, died on the 28th of December, 1900.