Tommy Kelsey
1939 - 2008
1939 - 2008
Thomas Kelsey, born in Co Durham on March 1, 1939, was apprenticed to Jack Calvert and had his first ride, Miss Marilyn (unplaced) at Liverpool on March 30, 1957.
Thomas Kelsey, born in Co Durham on March 1, 1939, was apprenticed to Jack Calvert and had his first ride, Miss Marilyn (unplaced) at Liverpool on March 30, 1957.
He rode his first winner, Soonario, at Catterick, on April 30, 1957.
He rode his first winner, Soonario, at Catterick, on April 30, 1957.
Tommy was in the Royal Horse Artillery for his National Service and rode in a display team.
Tommy was in the Royal Horse Artillery for his National Service and rode in a display team.
He rode just one winner over hurdles; Vigtonise at Sedgefield on January 11, 1966.
He rode just one winner over hurdles; Vigtonise at Sedgefield on January 11, 1966.
Arthur Stephenson spoke of him as a born jockey and horseman: only weight stopped him getting more rides.
Arthur Stephenson spoke of him as a born jockey and horseman: only weight stopped him getting more rides.
His biggest wins came on Rapid River in both the 1972 Gimcrack Stakes and 1972 Seaton Delaval Stakes.
His biggest wins came on Rapid River in both the 1972 Gimcrack Stakes and 1972 Seaton Delaval Stakes.
He rode 85 winners in total.
He rode 85 winners in total.
Tommy died in February, 2008, aged 68.
Tommy died in February, 2008, aged 68.
Article courtesy Chas Hammond
Article courtesy Chas Hammond