Tommy Maguire
Tommy Maguire
Tommy Maguire
Article by Alan Trout
Article by Alan Trout
Thomas (Tommy) Maguire rode two winners under National Hunt rules more than six years apart.
Thomas (Tommy) Maguire rode two winners under National Hunt rules more than six years apart.
His first ride had been at Cheltenham on February 3, 1945, soon after jump racing had resumed following its hiatus during the war. He partnered Flying Mascot into fourth place in the Gotherington Selling Hurdle. The horse went on to win a couple of Cheltenham selling hurdles in March, but Tommy was not in the saddle on either occasion.
His first ride had been at Cheltenham on February 3, 1945, soon after jump racing had resumed following its hiatus during the war. He partnered Flying Mascot into fourth place in the Gotherington Selling Hurdle. The horse went on to win a couple of Cheltenham selling hurdles in March, but Tommy was not in the saddle on either occasion.
Tommy and Flying Mascot were eventually reunited at Cheltenham on New Year’s Eve 1946, finishing second. They followed that effort by winning the Long Walk Handicap Hurdle at Windsor on January 11, 1947, beating Jack Moloney on Plymouth by four lengths. Tommy did not get another chance to ride Flying Mascot and did not renew his licence for some time.
Tommy and Flying Mascot were eventually reunited at Cheltenham on New Year’s Eve 1946, finishing second. They followed that effort by winning the Long Walk Handicap Hurdle at Windsor on January 11, 1947, beating Jack Moloney on Plymouth by four lengths. Tommy did not get another chance to ride Flying Mascot and did not renew his licence for some time.
However, he did have one more success when Korosko won the Long Distance Hurdle at Chepstow on March 21, 1953, taking the lead on the run-in and beating High Havens, the mount of Mick O’Dwyer by three lengths. In third place that day was Amie d’Or, ridden by the amateur Walter Biddlecombe, father of successful NH jockeys Tony and Terry.
However, he did have one more success when Korosko won the Long Distance Hurdle at Chepstow on March 21, 1953, taking the lead on the run-in and beating High Havens, the mount of Mick O’Dwyer by three lengths. In third place that day was Amie d’Or, ridden by the amateur Walter Biddlecombe, father of successful NH jockeys Tony and Terry.
Tommy Maguire's final win came at Chepstow on March 21, 1953 aboard Korosko
Tommy Maguire's final win came at Chepstow on March 21, 1953 aboard Korosko
Two third places from six subsequent starts was all that Tommy and Korosko could manage that season. Despite having changed owners, Korosko remained Tommy’s ride during the following campaign but they had only one third place to show for six efforts.
Two third places from six subsequent starts was all that Tommy and Korosko could manage that season. Despite having changed owners, Korosko remained Tommy’s ride during the following campaign but they had only one third place to show for six efforts.
Tommy’s final ride was at Ludlow on April 28, 1954, when Tenby was unplaced in the Longmynd Novices’ Hurdle (Division 1).
Tommy’s final ride was at Ludlow on April 28, 1954, when Tenby was unplaced in the Longmynd Novices’ Hurdle (Division 1).