Tom Taaffe Jr
Born on 15 June 1963, Tom was the son of Pat, of Arkle fame.
Born on 15 June 1963, Tom was the son of Pat, of Arkle fame.
He was racing mad and, on leaving school, joined the stable of trainer Arthur Moore, where he spent the next 15 years.
He was racing mad and, on leaving school, joined the stable of trainer Arthur Moore, where he spent the next 15 years.
His first win came at Phoenix Park in July, 1981 and, in his time with Arthur Moore, he rode over 400 winners.
His first win came at Phoenix Park in July, 1981 and, in his time with Arthur Moore, he rode over 400 winners.
He was not, however, to enjoy his father's luck in the National.
He was not, however, to enjoy his father's luck in the National.
In 1982, aged 18, he had his first ride in the big race - Mullacurry, which fell.
In 1982, aged 18, he had his first ride in the big race - Mullacurry, which fell.
As a professional, he also failed to get round on Clonthturtin in 1984: he had no better luck the next year when Tubbertelly refused. He was 5th on Sommelier in 1986 and third in 1988 on Monamore. In 1989, he took a heavy fall on Sergeant Sprite.
As a professional, he also failed to get round on Clonthturtin in 1984: he had no better luck the next year when Tubbertelly refused. He was 5th on Sommelier in 1986 and third in 1988 on Monamore. In 1989, he took a heavy fall on Sergeant Sprite.
He was back on Monamore for his final attempt in 1990. They were carried out at the 14th, scattering photographers in their path.
He was back on Monamore for his final attempt in 1990. They were carried out at the 14th, scattering photographers in their path.
Tom retired from riding aged 30 and, in 1995, began training. His greatest wins as a trainer were gained with Kicking King in the 2004 King George VI Chase at Kempton and the 2005 Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Tom retired from riding aged 30 and, in 1995, began training. His greatest wins as a trainer were gained with Kicking King in the 2004 King George VI Chase at Kempton and the 2005 Cheltenham Gold Cup.