Walter Swinburn Jr.
On Saturday 12 July, 1980, The Times wrote 'that brilliant apprentice Walter Swinburn lost his claim to any allowance on The Quiet Bidder. Once again Swinburn showed that he had an old head on young shoulders: not only did the winner lose six lengths at the start but Swinburn had to contend with some interference from the runner-up, Rushmore. Swinburn is a thoughtful and articulate young man and also possesses all the technical know-how. This is a vital stage in the career of a jockey who looks championship material.'
On Saturday 12 July, 1980, The Times wrote 'that brilliant apprentice Walter Swinburn lost his claim to any allowance on The Quiet Bidder. Once again Swinburn showed that he had an old head on young shoulders: not only did the winner lose six lengths at the start but Swinburn had to contend with some interference from the runner-up, Rushmore. Swinburn is a thoughtful and articulate young man and also possesses all the technical know-how. This is a vital stage in the career of a jockey who looks championship material.'
The writer wasn't far wrong.
The writer wasn't far wrong.
Born in Oxford on August 7, 1961, and the son of top jockey Walter Robert Swinburn, young Walter had the benefit of an apprenticeship with the two master tutors in British racing, Frenchie Nicholson and Reg Hollinshead.
Born in Oxford on August 7, 1961, and the son of top jockey Walter Robert Swinburn, young Walter had the benefit of an apprenticeship with the two master tutors in British racing, Frenchie Nicholson and Reg Hollinshead.
Taking his first rides in June 1978, Walter Robert John Swinburn did not have to wait long to ride his first winner, Paddy's Luck at Kempton on July12, 1978.
Taking his first rides in June 1978, Walter Robert John Swinburn did not have to wait long to ride his first winner, Paddy's Luck at Kempton on July12, 1978.
Frenchie Nicholson retired in 1980, compelling Walter to join Hollinshead's stables.
Frenchie Nicholson retired in 1980, compelling Walter to join Hollinshead's stables.
Such was the meteoric progress that by the end of that year he had not only lost his claim but also had been appointed as stable jockey to the mighty Michael Stoute's yard for 1981.
Such was the meteoric progress that by the end of that year he had not only lost his claim but also had been appointed as stable jockey to the mighty Michael Stoute's yard for 1981.
The dream continued as together they won that year's Derby on the ill-fated Shergar.
The dream continued as together they won that year's Derby on the ill-fated Shergar.
Numerically, his best season came in 1984 with just 99 winners (he was never destined to hit 100) but Walter was a quality, not quantity, rider, as his list of big race wins testifies.
Numerically, his best season came in 1984 with just 99 winners (he was never destined to hit 100) but Walter was a quality, not quantity, rider, as his list of big race wins testifies.
Unbelievably, having ridden All Along to three stunning victories in North America, the horse's connections, including owner Daniel Wildenstein, stated that they were not pleased with his riding and that he would be replaced in future. Wildenstein was in the habit of sacking his jockeys for little or no reason so Walter had no cause to blame himself.
Unbelievably, having ridden All Along to three stunning victories in North America, the horse's connections, including owner Daniel Wildenstein, stated that they were not pleased with his riding and that he would be replaced in future. Wildenstein was in the habit of sacking his jockeys for little or no reason so Walter had no cause to blame himself.
Having ridden the winners of 8 British classic races and numerous Group One races, Walter took out a trainer's licence in 2004, taking over at Church Farm, Hertfordshire from his father-in-law, Peter Harris.
Having ridden the winners of 8 British classic races and numerous Group One races, Walter took out a trainer's licence in 2004, taking over at Church Farm, Hertfordshire from his father-in-law, Peter Harris.
Over the next 7 years he sent out over 260 winners including four Group Three races with the Harris-owned Stotsfold. He also gained his first Royal Ascot winner as trainer when Julienas, also owned by Harris, won the Royal Hunt Cup.
Over the next 7 years he sent out over 260 winners including four Group Three races with the Harris-owned Stotsfold. He also gained his first Royal Ascot winner as trainer when Julienas, also owned by Harris, won the Royal Hunt Cup.
His training days behind him, Walter launched his own London-based ownership initiative. It began promisingly with the two-year-old Miss Atomic Bomb - bought by Swinburn but running in the colours of the then West Ham Football Club owner, David Sullivan, winning at Wolverhampton.
His training days behind him, Walter launched his own London-based ownership initiative. It began promisingly with the two-year-old Miss Atomic Bomb - bought by Swinburn but running in the colours of the then West Ham Football Club owner, David Sullivan, winning at Wolverhampton.
Walter has assembled a team of experts to work with him as he bid for horses at Newmarket's Tattersalls Sales.
Walter has assembled a team of experts to work with him as he bid for horses at Newmarket's Tattersalls Sales.
He said: This new venture is the culmination of a long-term plan. I was even thinking about it before I finished training.'
He said: This new venture is the culmination of a long-term plan. I was even thinking about it before I finished training.'
Walter kept all syndicates small and restricted to only four people. As a gesture of goodwill, he retained a quarter-share in the first six horses bought.
Walter kept all syndicates small and restricted to only four people. As a gesture of goodwill, he retained a quarter-share in the first six horses bought.
In February, 1996, Walter suffered near-fatal injuries when riding the unraced Liffey River at Shah Tin racecourse in Hong Kong. He sustained multiple shoulder and rib fractures, head injuries and badly bruised lungs when the horse crashed through a running rail. Walter spent five days in intensive care. He was put on an artificial breathing aid when his lungs filled with fluid and blood. He didn't return to full physical fitness until June, following a three week holiday in Jamaica.
In February, 1996, Walter suffered near-fatal injuries when riding the unraced Liffey River at Shah Tin racecourse in Hong Kong. He sustained multiple shoulder and rib fractures, head injuries and badly bruised lungs when the horse crashed through a running rail. Walter spent five days in intensive care. He was put on an artificial breathing aid when his lungs filled with fluid and blood. He didn't return to full physical fitness until June, following a three week holiday in Jamaica.
First winner: Paddy's Luck at Kempton, July 12, 1978.
First winner: Paddy's Luck at Kempton, July 12, 1978.
Last winner: Sir Francis at Brighton, April 13, 2000.
Last winner: Sir Francis at Brighton, April 13, 2000.
Walter Swinburn died in a fall from his bathroom window on December 12, 2016. He was 55. The coroner returned a verdict of accidental death.
Walter Swinburn died in a fall from his bathroom window on December 12, 2016. He was 55. The coroner returned a verdict of accidental death.
Walter Swinburn
Walter Swinburn
Classic winners:
Classic winners:
Derby: Shergar (1981), Shahrastani (1986), Lammtarra (1995)
Derby: Shergar (1981), Shahrastani (1986), Lammtarra (1995)
Oaks: Unite (1987)
Oaks: Unite (1987)
Two Thousand Guineas: Doyoun (1988)
Two Thousand Guineas: Doyoun (1988)
One Thousand Guineas: Musical Bliss (1989), Hatoof (1992), Sayyedati (1993)
One Thousand Guineas: Musical Bliss (1989), Hatoof (1992), Sayyedati (1993)
Other big winners:
Other big winners:
1979: City and Suburban Handicap – Doogali
1979: City and Suburban Handicap – Doogali
1979: Ascot Stakes – Mon’s Beau
1979: Ascot Stakes – Mon’s Beau
1980: Cork and Orrery Stakes – Kearney
1980: Cork and Orrery Stakes – Kearney
1981: Fred Darling Stakes – Marwell
1981: Fred Darling Stakes – Marwell
1981: Earl of Sefton Stakes – Hard Fought
1981: Earl of Sefton Stakes – Hard Fought
1981: Sandown Classic Trial – Shergar
1981: Sandown Classic Trial – Shergar
1981: Westbury Stakes – Hard Fought
1981: Westbury Stakes – Hard Fought
1981: Chester Vase – Shergar
1981: Chester Vase – Shergar
1981: Prince of Wales’s Stakes – Hard Fought
1981: Prince of Wales’s Stakes – Hard Fought
1981: Cork and Orrery Stakes – The Quiet Bidder
1981: Cork and Orrery Stakes – The Quiet Bidder
1981: Norfolk Stakes – Day Is Done
1981: Norfolk Stakes – Day Is Done
1981: King’s Stand Stakes – Marwell
1981: King’s Stand Stakes – Marwell
1981: July Cup – Marwell
1981: July Cup – Marwell
1981: King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes – Shergar
1981: King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes – Shergar
1981: Princess Margaret Stakes – Circus Ring
1981: Princess Margaret Stakes – Circus Ring
1981: Hungerford Stakes – Dalsaan
1981: Hungerford Stakes – Dalsaan
1981: Lowther Stakes – Circus Ring
1981: Lowther Stakes – Circus Ring
1981: Rockfel Stakes – Top Hope
1981: Rockfel Stakes – Top Hope
1982: Chester Cup – Dawn Johnny
1982: Chester Cup – Dawn Johnny
1982: Queen Mary Stakes – Widaad
1982: Queen Mary Stakes – Widaad
1982: Britannia Stakes – Bali Dancer
1982: Britannia Stakes – Bali Dancer
1982: Great Voltigeur Stakes – Electric
1982: Great Voltigeur Stakes – Electric
1982: Queen Elizabeth II Stakes – Buzzards Bay
1982: Queen Elizabeth II Stakes – Buzzards Bay
1983: Jockey Club Stakes – Electric
1983: Jockey Club Stakes – Electric
1983: Northern Goldsmith’s Handicap – Zaheendar
1983: Northern Goldsmith’s Handicap – Zaheendar
1983: King Edward VII Stakes – Shareef Dancer
1983: King Edward VII Stakes – Shareef Dancer
1983: King George V Handicap – Dazari
1983: King George V Handicap – Dazari
1983: Falmouth Stakes – Royal Heroine
1983: Falmouth Stakes – Royal Heroine
1983: Prestige Stakes – Shoot Clear
1983: Prestige Stakes – Shoot Clear
1983: Doncaster Cup – Karadar
1983: Doncaster Cup – Karadar
1983: Jockey Club Cup – Karadar
1983: Jockey Club Cup – Karadar
1983: Cornwallis Stakes – Petorius
1983: Cornwallis Stakes – Petorius
1984: Lincoln Handicap – Saving Mercy
1984: Lincoln Handicap – Saving Mercy
1984: Free Handicap – Cutting Wind
1984: Free Handicap – Cutting Wind
1984: Cheshire Oaks – Malaak
1984: Cheshire Oaks – Malaak
1984: Musidora Stakes – Optimistic Lass
1984: Musidora Stakes – Optimistic Lass
1984: Temple Stakes – Petorius (dead-heat)
1984: Temple Stakes – Petorius (dead-heat)
1984: Old Newton Cup – Bishop Ring
1984: Old Newton Cup – Bishop Ring
1984: Cherry Hinton Stakes – Top Socialite
1984: Cherry Hinton Stakes – Top Socialite
1984: Nassau Stakes – Optimistic Lady
1984: Nassau Stakes – Optimistic Lady
1984: Ebor Handicap – Crazy
1984: Ebor Handicap – Crazy
1984: Prestige Stakes – Bella Colora
1984: Prestige Stakes – Bella Colora
1984: November Handicap – Abu Kadra
1984: November Handicap – Abu Kadra
1985: Craven Stakes – Shadeed
1985: Craven Stakes – Shadeed
1985: Fred Darling Stakes – Top Socialite
1985: Fred Darling Stakes – Top Socialite
1985: Diomed Stakes – Scottish Reel
1985: Diomed Stakes – Scottish Reel
1985: Ribblesdale Stakes – Sally Brown
1985: Ribblesdale Stakes – Sally Brown
1985: July Stakes – Green Desert
1985: July Stakes – Green Desert
1985: Gordon Stakes – Kazaroun
1985: Gordon Stakes – Kazaroun
1985: King George V Stakes – Primo Dominie
1985: King George V Stakes – Primo Dominie
1985: Geoffrey Freer Stakes – Shernazar
1985: Geoffrey Freer Stakes – Shernazar
1985: Yorkshire Oaks – Sally Brown
1985: Yorkshire Oaks – Sally Brown
1985: Cumberland Lodge Stakes – Shardari
1985: Cumberland Lodge Stakes – Shardari
1985: Queen Elizabeth II Stakes – Shadeed
1985: Queen Elizabeth II Stakes – Shadeed
1985: Fillies’ Mile – Untold
1985: Fillies’ Mile – Untold
1985: St Simon Stakes – Shardari
1985: St Simon Stakes – Shardari
1986: Nell Gwyn Stakes – Sonic Lady
1986: Nell Gwyn Stakes – Sonic Lady
1986: Free Handicap – Green Desert
1986: Free Handicap – Green Desert
1986: Fred Darling Stakes – Maysoon
1986: Fred Darling Stakes – Maysoon
1986: Sandown Classic Trial – Shahrastani
1986: Sandown Classic Trial – Shahrastani
1986: Dante Stakes – Shahrastani
1986: Dante Stakes – Shahrastani
1986: Lockinge Stakes – Scottish Reel
1986: Lockinge Stakes – Scottish Reel
1986: Coronation Stakes – Sonic Lady
1986: Coronation Stakes – Sonic Lady
1986: Princess of Wales’s Stakes – Shardari
1986: Princess of Wales’s Stakes – Shardari
1986: Falmouth Stakes – Sonic Lady
1986: Falmouth Stakes – Sonic Lady
1986: July Cup – Green Desert
1986: July Cup – Green Desert
1986: Princess Margaret Stakes – Hiaam
1986: Princess Margaret Stakes – Hiaam
1986: Sussex Stakes – Sonic Lady
1986: Sussex Stakes – Sonic Lady
1986: Matchmaker International Stakes – Shardari
1986: Matchmaker International Stakes – Shardari
1986: Haydock Sprint Cup – Green Desert
1986: Haydock Sprint Cup – Green Desert
1986: Cumberland Lodge Stakes – Kazaroun
1986: Cumberland Lodge Stakes – Kazaroun
1986: Princess Royal Stakes – Tashtiya
1986: Princess Royal Stakes – Tashtiya
1986: Dewhurst Stakes – Ajdal
1986: Dewhurst Stakes – Ajdal
1987: Craven Stakes – Ajdal
1987: Craven Stakes – Ajdal
1987: Temple Stakes – Treasure Key
1987: Temple Stakes – Treasure Key
1987: Coventry Stakes – Always Fair
1987: Coventry Stakes – Always Fair
1987: Coronation Stakes – Milligram
1987: Coronation Stakes – Milligram
1987: Falmouth Stakes – Sonic Lady
1987: Falmouth Stakes – Sonic Lady
1987: July Cup – Ajdal
1987: July Cup – Ajdal
1987: Nunthorpe Stakes – Ajdal
1987: Nunthorpe Stakes – Ajdal
1987: Waterford Crustal Mile – Milligram
1987: Waterford Crustal Mile – Milligram
1987: Haydock Sprint Cup – Ajdal
1987: Haydock Sprint Cup – Ajdal
1987: St Simon Stakes – Lake Erie
1987: St Simon Stakes – Lake Erie
1988: Craven Stakes – Doyoun
1988: Craven Stakes – Doyoun
1988: Cherry Hinton Stakes – Kerrera
1988: Cherry Hinton Stakes – Kerrera
1988: Rockfel Stakes – Musical Bliss
1988: Rockfel Stakes – Musical Bliss
1989: Craven Stakes – Shaadi
1989: Craven Stakes – Shaadi
1989: Lingfield Oaks Trial – Aliysa
1989: Lingfield Oaks Trial – Aliysa
1989: Victoria Cup – Top Dream
1989: Victoria Cup – Top Dream
1989: Temple Stakes – Dancing Dissident
1989: Temple Stakes – Dancing Dissident
1989: St James’s Palace Stakes – Shaadi
1989: St James’s Palace Stakes – Shaadi
1989: Jersey Stakes – Zilzal
1989: Jersey Stakes – Zilzal
1989: Criterion Stakes – Zilzal
1989: Criterion Stakes – Zilzal
1989: Princess of Wales’s Stakes – Carroll House
1989: Princess of Wales’s Stakes – Carroll House
1989: Gordon Stakes – Warrshan
1989: Gordon Stakes – Warrshan
1989: Sussex Stakes – Zilzal
1989: Sussex Stakes – Zilzal
1989: Queen Elizabeth II Stakes – Zilzal
1989: Queen Elizabeth II Stakes – Zilzal
1990: Nell Gwyn Stakes – Heart of Joy
1990: Nell Gwyn Stakes – Heart of Joy
1990: Lingfield Derby Trial – Rock Hopper
1990: Lingfield Derby Trial – Rock Hopper
1990: Lockinge Stakes – Safawan
1990: Lockinge Stakes – Safawan
1990: Henry II Stakes – Teamster
1990: Henry II Stakes – Teamster
1990: Ribblesdale Stakes – Hellenic
1990: Ribblesdale Stakes – Hellenic
1990: Cherry Hinton Stakes – Chicarica
1990: Cherry Hinton Stakes – Chicarica
1990: Nassau Stakes – Katajana
1990: Nassau Stakes – Katajana
1990: Sun Chariot Stakes – Katajana
1990: Sun Chariot Stakes – Katajana
1990: Royal Lodge Stakes – Mujaazif
1990: Royal Lodge Stakes – Mujaazif
1990: Horris Hill Stakes – Sapieha
1990: Horris Hill Stakes – Sapieha
1991: Temple Stakes – Elbio
1991: Temple Stakes – Elbio
1991: Ascot Gold Cup – Indian Queen
1991: Ascot Gold Cup – Indian Queen
1991: Bunbury Cup – Savoyard
1991: Bunbury Cup – Savoyard
1991: Cheveley Park Stakes – Marling
1991: Cheveley Park Stakes – Marling
1992: Lingfield Derby Trial – Assessor
1992: Lingfield Derby Trial – Assessor
1992: Coronation Cup – Saddlers’ Hall
1992: Coronation Cup – Saddlers’ Hall
1992: Coventry Stakes – Petardia
1992: Coventry Stakes – Petardia
1992: Coronation Stakes – Marling
1992: Coronation Stakes – Marling
1992: King’s Stand Stakes – Sheikh Albadou
1992: King’s Stand Stakes – Sheikh Albadou
1992: Queen Alexandra Stakes – Romany Rye
1992: Queen Alexandra Stakes – Romany Rye
1992: Hungerford Stakes – Mojave
1992: Hungerford Stakes – Mojave
1992: Supreme Stakes – Hazaam
1992: Supreme Stakes – Hazaam
1992: Solario Stakes – White Crown
1992: Solario Stakes – White Crown
1992: Cheveley Park Stakes – Sayyedati
1992: Cheveley Park Stakes – Sayyedati
1992: Cesarewitch Handicap – Vintage Crop
1992: Cesarewitch Handicap – Vintage Crop
1993: Queen Mary Stakes – Risky
1993: Queen Mary Stakes – Risky
1993: King’s Stand Stakes – Elbio
1993: King’s Stand Stakes – Elbio
1993: Juddmonte International Stakes – Ezzoud
1993: Juddmonte International Stakes – Ezzoud
1993: Champion Stakes – Hatoof
1993: Champion Stakes – Hatoof
1994: Dee Stakes – Cicerao
1994: Dee Stakes – Cicerao
1994: Lingfield Oaks Trial – Munnaya
1994: Lingfield Oaks Trial – Munnaya
1994: Lingfield Derby Trial – Hawker’s News
1994: Lingfield Derby Trial – Hawker’s News
1994: Queen Mary Stakes – Gay Gallanta
1994: Queen Mary Stakes – Gay Gallanta
1994: Eclipse Stakes – Ezzoud
1994: Eclipse Stakes – Ezzoud
1994: Juddmonte International Stakes – Ezzoud
1994: Juddmonte International Stakes – Ezzoud
1995: Cheshire Oaks – Dance A Dream
1995: Cheshire Oaks – Dance A Dream
1995: Lockinge Stakes – Soviet Line
1995: Lockinge Stakes – Soviet Line
1995: Coventry Stakes – Royal Applause
1995: Coventry Stakes – Royal Applause
1995: Eclipse Stakes – Halling
1995: Eclipse Stakes – Halling
1995: Bunbury Cup – Cadeaux Tryst
1995: Bunbury Cup – Cadeaux Tryst
1995: Juddmonte International Stakes – Halling
1995: Juddmonte International Stakes – Halling
1995: Middle Park Stakes – Royal Applause
1995: Middle Park Stakes – Royal Applause
1998: Queen’s Vase – Maridpour
1998: Queen’s Vase – Maridpour
1998: Coronation Stakes – Exclusive
1998: Coronation Stakes – Exclusive
1998: Bessborough Stakes – Greek Prince
1998: Bessborough Stakes – Greek Prince
In Ireland
In Ireland
1983: Irish Derby – Shareef Dancer
1983: Irish Derby – Shareef Dancer
1986: Irish One Thousand Guineas – Sonic Lady
1986: Irish One Thousand Guineas – Sonic Lady
1986: Irish Derby – Shahrastani
1986: Irish Derby – Shahrastani
1987: Greenlands Stakes – Sylvan Express
1987: Greenlands Stakes – Sylvan Express
1987: Irish Oaks – Unite
1987: Irish Oaks – Unite
1988: Irish Oaks – Melodist (dead-heat)
1988: Irish Oaks – Melodist (dead-heat)
1989: Irish Two Thousand Guineas – Shaadi
1989: Irish Two Thousand Guineas – Shaadi
1992: Irish One Thousand Guineas – Marling
1992: Irish One Thousand Guineas – Marling
1996: National Stakes – Desert King
1996: National Stakes – Desert King
1998: Phoenix Stakes – Lavery
1998: Phoenix Stakes – Lavery
In France
In France
1981: Prix de l’Abbaye – Marwell
1981: Prix de l’Abbaye – Marwell
1983: Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe – All Along
1983: Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe – All Along
1986: Grand Prix de Paris – Swink
1986: Grand Prix de Paris – Swink
1986: Prix du Moulin – Sonic Lady
1986: Prix du Moulin – Sonic Lady
1990: Prix Royal Oak – Indian Queen (dead-heat)
1990: Prix Royal Oak – Indian Queen (dead-heat)
1993: Prix Jacques le Marois – Sayyedati
1993: Prix Jacques le Marois – Sayyedati
1995: Prix Morny – Tagula
1995: Prix Morny – Tagula
In Germany
In Germany
1996: Grosser Preis von Baden – Pilsudski
1996: Grosser Preis von Baden – Pilsudski
1998: Deutsches Derby – Luigi
1998: Deutsches Derby – Luigi
In Italy
In Italy
1983: Gran Criterium – Northern Tempest
1983: Gran Criterium – Northern Tempest
1986: Oaks d’Italia – Ivor’s Image
1986: Oaks d’Italia – Ivor’s Image
1988: Oaks d’Italia – Melodist
1988: Oaks d’Italia – Melodist
1991: Oaks d’Italia – Possessive Dancer
1991: Oaks d’Italia – Possessive Dancer
1994: Gran Premio di Milano – Petit Loup
1994: Gran Premio di Milano – Petit Loup
In America
In America
1983: Washington D.C. International Stakes – All Along
1983: Washington D.C. International Stakes – All Along
1996: Breeders’ Cup Turf – Pilsudski
1996: Breeders’ Cup Turf – Pilsudski
In Canada
In Canada
1983: Canadian International Championship – All Along
1983: Canadian International Championship – All Along
In Hong Kong
In Hong Kong
1994: Hong Kong Mile – Soviet Line
1994: Hong Kong Mile – Soviet Line