Hall of Fame Steeplechase Jockey Walsh Dies at 79
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Thomas M. "Tommy" Walsh, a champion steeplechase jockey who was inducted into the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame in 2005, died Nov. 14 in West Grove, Pa. He was 79.
Part of a family of steeplechase horsemen, he was champion jump rider for the first time in 1960 with 29 jump victories and again in 1966 with 39 jump wins.
The National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame credits Walsh as having won the American Grand National five consecutive times and in six of seven years from 1959 through 1965, including twice on Sun Dog in 1959 and 1960. He was the rider of three horses voted steeplechase champion: Bluff, Mako, and Hall of Famer Bon Nouvel.
Bon Nouvel won the Temple Gwathmey by 30 lengths at Aqueduct Racetrack in 1965, carrying Walsh and 170 pounds—one of three victories in that prestigious race for the steeplechase jockey.
The jump rider also won the Saratoga Steeplechase Handicap three times, the Harbor Hill Handicap three times, and the New York Turf Writers Cup twice, according to The National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame.
Born in Great Neck, N.Y., he began his riding career in 1956 at age 15. The nephew of Hall of Fame trainer Michael G. "Mickey" Walsh, he learned the sport at the riding academy of his father, James.
After his career as a jockey, Tommy Walsh became a trainer, winning more than 200 races. He retired in 2013 after receiving a cancer diagnosis.
He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Georgia L. Hathaway Walsh; two brothers, Jim Walsh (Anne) of Alexandria, Ky. and Robby Walsh (Barbara) of Bethpage, N.Y. He was preceded in death by a brother, John Walsh.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. EST Nov. 18 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home in Oxford, Pa., with a luncheon to follow at Sylmar Farm in Christiana, Pa. Burial will be private.