Introduction
If ever a person was made to be a jockey, it was Oxford-born Walter Swinburn. Although sadly no longer with us, Swinburn was a jockey of some style and incredible performance. With major racing wins that many riders could only have dreamed of, the irrepressible Oxfordshire resident was one of the most impressive riders of the 70s and the 80s. with major wins starting at the Epsom Derby in 1981, he kept winning trophies right up to the end of the 1990s, with wins at the Piddle Park Stakes and the Phoenix Stakes being some of his last.
Career Summary
With so many victories that it’s hard to pick a major highlight, his rise to fame was made possible by riding the famous Shergar to success at the 1981 Epsom Derby. From there, he went on to become a trophy machine, winning numerous trophies right up his final return, the Phoenix Stakes in 1998.
Sadly, Walter died after falling out of a window in his bathroom. His surprise and accidental death was mourned by the racing community, aware they had lost one of the most impressive riders of a golden era for racing.
Achievements & Highlights
Major Wins – Epsom Derby (1981, 1986, 1995), July Cup (1981, 1986, 1987), King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (1981), Irish Derby (1983, 1986), Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (1983), Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (1985, 1989), Coronation Stakes (1986, 1987, 1992, 1998), Dewhurst Stakes (1986), International Stakes (1986, 1993, 1994, 1995), Sussex Stakes (1986, 1989), Epsom Oaks (1987), Irish Oaks (1987, 1988), Nassau Stakes (1987), Phoenix Stakes (1988, 1998), 2,000 Guineas (1988), 1,000 Guineas (1989, 1992, 1993), St. James’s Palace Stakes (1989), Lockinge Stakes (1990, 1995), Nassau Stakes (1990, 1994), Ascot Gold Cup (1991), Cheveley Park Stakes (1991, 1992), Coronation Cup (1992), Irish 1,000 Guineas (1992), Champion Stakes (1993), Eclipse Stakes (1994, 1995), Middle Park Stakes (1995)
