Tommy Cullinan

Thomas Brady Cullinan was born in Ennis, County Clare, on May 15 1906.

Tommy's father, Frederick George Cullinan (1860-1925) was a Major during the Boer War serving in Ireland; later, he became Sheriff for the town of Ennis, a position which he held for 35 years years.

Tommy's mother was Frances Emily Brady-Brown, and the family lived at Freighmore House, Carragh, Ennis.

Tommy started out as an amateur in 1923 aged 18, and in 1927 became champion amateur. That year, he came to England with Frank Barbour, former owner of Easter Hero, and turned professional in January 1928.

Tommy rode the winner of the Irish Grand National, Don Sancho, in April, 1928. That year, he also came second in the Liverpool Grand National on Billy Barton which was trained at Wroughton and owned by Sir Albury Eastings.

In 1930, Tommy Cullinan achieved the unique treble of winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup on 

Easter Hero, the Champion Hurdle on Brown Tony and the Grand National on Shaun Goilin, a chance ride. He had been due to partner Easter Hero but switched mounts when that horse fell lame. (The English meaning of 'Shaun Goilin' is John the Fairy.)

Tommy said after his win; 'I think there must be something of a Fairy about him, judging by the way he carried me to victory at Liverpool. He gave me a most marvellous ride.'

Tommy served as a private in an English anti-aircraft unit during the War.

Based at an RAF station in Oxford in the spring of 1940 on April 11, Tommy Brady Cullinan was shot dead by a nervous sentry as he was returning home after a night out on the town.

Or that was the story put about at the time.

(In fact, Tommy committed suicide when depressed.)

He was buried in Swindon, Wiltshire, England.

Biggest wins:

1928:  Irish Grand National - Don Sancho

1928:  Becher Chase - Top Light

1929:  Champion Chase - Top Light

1930:  Champion Chase - Kakushin

1930:  Grand National  Shaun Goilin

1930:  Cheltenham God Cup - Easter Hero

1930:  Champion Hurdle - Brown Tony

1930:  Becher Chase - Kakushin