WALTER Swinburn, one of the most renowned jockeys of his generation and rider of the brilliant Shergar, has died, aged 55.
Nicknamed the Choirboy, Swinburn partnered Shergar to glory in the 1981 Derby at the age of 19. He also won the Epsom Classic on Shahrastani (1986) and Lammtarra (1995).
Many other big-race successes around the world adorned his CV before his retirement in 2000.
Swinburn took over the training licence from his father-in-law, Peter Harris, in November 2004, sending out over 260 winners from his Hertfordshire base before handing in his licence at the end of October 2011, citing financial reasons.
Harris said: “I’ve been in Scotland and got home this evening and all I know is that he has died. I don’t know any more details for now.”
After his riding days were over, Swinburn enjoyed a successful period as part of the Channel 4 Racing team, working with former National Hunt great John Francome among others.
Francome said: “I spoke to him a couple of months ago and he seemed in really good form. It’s absolutely shocking he should die aged 55. No age at all. He was an absolutely gifted rider.”
Swinburn suffered a terrible fall at Sha Tin in February 1996 when his mount Liffey River crashed through the rails and was in intensive care for a week with severe head and chest injuries. He returned to win on his first ride back on Talathath at Windsor just six months later.
Francome added: “He was great company and gave great insight [during television coverage]. He had a good smile, great sense of humour, fabulous parents – just a really nice family and I’m devastated for them.”
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