Former Steeplechase Rider Maloney Dies at 69

Former steeplechase rider James "Woody" Woodruff Maloney Jr. died Feb. 5. He was 69.

Woody was born Oct. 20, 1953, in Long Island, N.Y., to the late James Woodruff Maloney Sr. and the late Elizabeth Hyland Maloney. While Woody was growing up, his family split its time between East Norwich, Long Island, N.Y., and a home on Colleton Avenue in Aiken, S.C. 

His father, James, was a prominent horse trainer who was inducted into the Aiken Thoroughbred Hall of Fame and the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. His mother, Lib, was one of the premier show riders during the 1930s and was awarded the Alfred B. Maclay Trophy, at the National Horse Show, in Madison Square Garden in 1934, which was the highest national award for a junior.

Woody Maloney grew up riding in the Hitchcock Woods in Aiken and would become a well-known steeplechase rider. He was involved with the Aiken Steeplechase Association and was a keen tennis player at The Aiken Tennis Club.

Woody is survived by his sister, Sheila Maloney.

Services will be held at a later date. The historic George Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 211 Park Ave. SW, Aiken, S.C. 29801 (803-649-6234), is in charge of arrangements. Expressions of sympathy for the family may be left by visiting www.georgefuneralhomes.com.