Born in Selby, Goodisson moved south to Newmarket, Suffolk, like fellow Yorkshire jockey John Shepherd, to further his career and seek better money.
[1] Goodisson's most notable victory was the first Oaks Stakes for Lord Derby, after whose residence the race was named, in 1779 on the bay filly Bridget at odds of 5/2.
It took place for a stake of 25 guineas on New Year's Day 1799 inside a roped ring in a room in the Duke of Queensberry's house.
[5] The fight lasted over an hour, with the stamina of Goodisson – the heavier and stronger man – winning out over Chifney, the cleverer boxer.
[2] Goodisson married Jane Bentley with whom he had four sons – William, John, Thomas and Charles – and two daughters, Catherine and Ann.