Thomas M. Walsh
Thomas M. “Tommy” Walsh was only 15 when he began his riding career in 1956. Born in 1940 in Great Neck, New York, Walsh learned the sport at his father’s riding academy and spent winter holidays at the training center of his uncle, Hall of Fame trainer Michael G. “Mickey” Walsh.
2005
April 5, 1940, Great Neck, New York
Nov. 13, 2019, Oxford, Pennsylvania
1956-1967
271
Racing Record
18.37
Win %
Biography
Thomas M. “Tommy” Walsh was only 15 when he began his riding career in 1956. Born in 1940 in Great Neck, New York, Walsh learned the sport at his father’s riding academy and spent winter holidays at the training center of his uncle, Hall of Fame trainer Michael G. “Mickey” Walsh.
Walsh ranked second in the steeplechase division in wins in 1957 and 1958 and topped the ranks with 31 wins in 1960. He also led all steeplechase riders with 39 victories in 1966. Consistently at the top of his sport, Walsh was either first or second in the standings seven times during his 12-year career.
Walsh partnered with three horses voted steeplechase champion: Bluff, Hall of Famer Bon Nouvel, and Mako. Walsh won the American Grand National five consecutive times and in six of seven years from 1959 through 1965, winning the race with Sun Dog (twice), Independence, Barnaby’s Bluff, Tuscarora, and Mako.
When Walsh won the Temple Gwathmey in 1965 with Bon Nouvel, under 170 pounds, it was one of the rider’s three victories in the event, which then was the culmination of the jumping season. Bon Nouvel romped by 30 lengths in setting a course record at Aqueduct.
Walsh also won the Saratoga Steeplechase Handicap three times, the Harbor Hill Handicap three times, and the New York Turf Writers Cup twice. Other major wins came in the Lovely Night Handicap (twice), Meadowbrook Handicap, Carolina Cup, and New Jersey Hunt Cup.
Overall, Walsh won 271 races, including 253 steeplechase events. He is one of only five riders with more than 250 steeplechase wins.
Walsh became a trainer after his riding career, winning 178 races with purse earnings of $4,464,125 in that capacity. He trained three graded stakes winners. Walsh died in 2019 at the age of 79.
Achievements
North America's leading steeplechase rider in wins — 1960, 1966
Other Highlights
Won the American Grand National Steeplechase — 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1965
Won the Saratoga Steeplechase Handicap — 1959, 1963, 1966
Won the Temple Gwathmey Steeplechase — 1962, 1965, 1967
Won the New York Turf Writers Cup — 1959, 1964
Media
