Tommy Cunningham

Tommy Cunningham won £3,030 when he rode Peter Simple to victory in the 1849 Grand National.

He then married before accepting an offer to train in France. Here he met with considerable success.

Tommy returned to England and continued to train, but tragedy struck on April 5, 1871.

Returning from Sheriff Hutton Steeplechases, he fell from his horse at Castle Howard.

Aged 49, he died of a fractured skull, and was buried on April 7, 1871.

His son Charles, who died on 20 August, 1924, also became a jockey.

Article courtesy Chas Hammond