Tommy Elder
1909 - 2007
1909 - 2007
Thomas Robert Gordon Elder, known as Tommy, was born on November 28, 1909 and was a prominent jump jockey in the 1930s.
Thomas Robert Gordon Elder, known as Tommy, was born on November 28, 1909 and was a prominent jump jockey in the 1930s.
Born at Coxwold, near Thirsk, he had his first ride at Plumpton on February 1, 1930, finishing third on the black seven-year-old gelding Juggler in the Stanmer Selling Chase. He rode his first winner on Disposals, trained by Peter Thrale, in the Findon Selling Handicap Chase at Newbury on November 28, 1930.
Born at Coxwold, near Thirsk, he had his first ride at Plumpton on February 1, 1930, finishing third on the black seven-year-old gelding Juggler in the Stanmer Selling Chase. He rode his first winner on Disposals, trained by Peter Thrale, in the Findon Selling Handicap Chase at Newbury on November 28, 1930.
Tommy went on to ride a total of 78 winners, He enjoyed his best season in 1936/37 with 27 wins, which placed him tenth behind Gerry Wilson in the jump jockeys’ table.
Tommy went on to ride a total of 78 winners, He enjoyed his best season in 1936/37 with 27 wins, which placed him tenth behind Gerry Wilson in the jump jockeys’ table.
His two biggest successes were gained on Keen Blade in the Grand National Trial at Gatwick in 1936, and Red Eagle in the Shaun Spadah Chase at Lingfield in 1939.
His two biggest successes were gained on Keen Blade in the Grand National Trial at Gatwick in 1936, and Red Eagle in the Shaun Spadah Chase at Lingfield in 1939.
He rode in three Grand Nationals, his first attempt being on Keen Blade in 1936. They were prominent for a long way until falling three fences from home. His second Grand National mount, in 1937, was on Lucky Patch, who refused at the Canal Turn on the second circuit. Red Eagle was Tommy’s final Grand National ride, in 1940, finished 16th of the 17 to complete the course.
He rode in three Grand Nationals, his first attempt being on Keen Blade in 1936. They were prominent for a long way until falling three fences from home. His second Grand National mount, in 1937, was on Lucky Patch, who refused at the Canal Turn on the second circuit. Red Eagle was Tommy’s final Grand National ride, in 1940, finished 16th of the 17 to complete the course.
His sole Cheltenham Festival winner was Graingefield in the Swinton Selling Chase in 1939. In the same year he finished second in both the Broadway Chase on Up Sabre and the Spa Hurdle on Starleta, and third in the Lansdown Selling Handicap Hurdle on Pencil.
His sole Cheltenham Festival winner was Graingefield in the Swinton Selling Chase in 1939. In the same year he finished second in both the Broadway Chase on Up Sabre and the Spa Hurdle on Starleta, and third in the Lansdown Selling Handicap Hurdle on Pencil.
During his career he took part in almost all the big races including the Scottish and Welsh Grand Nationals, the Champion Hurdle, Grand Annual Chase, Lancashire Chase, Imperial Cup, Grand International Hurdle, Liverpool Hurdle and the Stanley Chase.
During his career he took part in almost all the big races including the Scottish and Welsh Grand Nationals, the Champion Hurdle, Grand Annual Chase, Lancashire Chase, Imperial Cup, Grand International Hurdle, Liverpool Hurdle and the Stanley Chase.
He rode his last winner on Carefree, trained by Peter Thrale, in the Plumpton Handicap Chase at that Sussex venue on March 23, 1940. He had what proved to be his final ride the following month, on April 24, when finishing second on Steel End in the Littlehampton Hurdle at Fontwell Park.
He rode his last winner on Carefree, trained by Peter Thrale, in the Plumpton Handicap Chase at that Sussex venue on March 23, 1940. He had what proved to be his final ride the following month, on April 24, when finishing second on Steel End in the Littlehampton Hurdle at Fontwell Park.
Tommy Elder died on Saturday, June 9, 2007, aged 97. At the time of his death he was the oldest beneficiary of the Injured Jockeys Fund.
Tommy Elder died on Saturday, June 9, 2007, aged 97. At the time of his death he was the oldest beneficiary of the Injured Jockeys Fund.
