Walter Swinburn ● A Simple Tribute

[@ianbryant2461]

A outstanding jockey with such wonderful hands. Had his demons but should not be forgotten. So sorry for his family. Vale Walter.

[@davidnunan1819]

The following is a repeat of something I wrote elswhere on KZbin three or four years ago....;Walter was in my class at Rockwell College in County Tipperary, Ireland. He was fearless on the rugby pitch, he was fearless and well able to stand his ground against any bully boys that challenged him at school and he was determined that his height not be seen in any way as a disability. Nevertheless he was capable of being funny and easy to talk to. We were not day to day friends in school as he hung out with a different crowd but while we were both doing our state exams back in 1975, at the college, I got into a conversation with him on a one-to-one basis for about half an hour and he told me of his plans to train at the Stout Stables. Now that he has passed on, I shall always treasure that half hour of conversation we shared. He struggled with his weight and with his sexual orientation and this and the nature of the person he was meant that he was often living life on the edge. We must forgive him his foibles and celebrate his successes. The last time we spoke was at the 2009 '30 years out' Rockwell College reunion dinner where he was awarded the Union's 'Life Time Achievement Award'. R.I.P.'

[@FBICPS]

RIP Walter

[@daviddumpleton3559]

Rip Walter I worked for him for 4 years.

[@andrewballard7425]

Such a talent Walter I will remember the great wins R I P great one x

[@Priyath1010]

A true champ at the age of 18 winning a classic so classics RIP peace to you great Walter❤

[@davidrobinson2776]

A beautiful jockey in every respect. When Walter died, not much ink was wasted by the racing press. That always saddened me. He suffered, like Tony Murray, from eating disorders brought on by the pressures of “making the weight” required for flat racing. I have no doubt, had the weight of flat jockeys been upped to an acceptable level, say 8 stone 11 lb as the minimum, Walter would have been champion many times. It also would have saved a few lives in the process.

[@michaelhenrytelexfree]

I loved watching him ride horses a true horseman but oh so lucky to win the 1986 Derby on Sharastani though that's not his fault. Rest in Peace Walter you will be greatly missed.

[@doloreshuntoon7698]

Me, too.