Walter Swinburn

[@ianbryant2461]

An outstanding young jockey. Such style. Passed way too young. Didn't seem to have the best of luck in later life. Always associate him with Shergar and Sir Michael Stoute. My uncle played golf at Newmarket and out of the blue played with Walter. He found him delightful and unassuming. Vale Walter

[@davidnunan1819]

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, he was determined that his height not be seen in any way as a disability but 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. 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.

[@Laytonia1977]

Nice to hear that. He's one of my 'racing' heroes. One of the most wonderful jockeys I've ever seen.

[@kevinmunday5782]

Beautifully worded, a Lovely Tribute ....

[@davidnunan1819]

@@kevinmunday5782 I was always aware that he was a troubled individual in his personal life, with reports of driving dangerously, getting drunk and being an all round bit of a playboy and, as the commentator says in the video, a bit of a devil. What I found out after his death was that despite marrying a lovely girl and having children he harbored the dark secret of having homosexual feelings. I know he frequently sought advice from The Spiritans (Holy Order) who taught us in Rockwell and I suspect they tried to 'Fix' his 'Problem'? I got the impression he bore a lot of guilt and perhaps shame over that and yet would continue to live life on the edge, dulling his emotions with drink and wild abandon. Indeed his death occurred while drunk, I'm told. A pity I never knew about his sexual conflicts because I too struggled with questions over my sexuality and am well sorted now. Perhaps I might have helped or perhaps his devilment was the cross he had to bare for being a genius as a [racing] jockey. We must forgive him his foibles and celebrate his successes. R.I.P.

[@martinkennedy2400]

...beautiful tribute beautiful guy thanks for sharing

[@davidrobinson2776]

Walter’s death was so tragic. As a jockey, I can hardly remember him making a mistake. That was his great strength. He knew exactly how to ride a race and was surprisingly strong in a finish. Yet again, another jockey who found life out of the saddle a struggle.

[@kayrobertson5460]

What an absolute legend still & always will be missed greatly 🐎❤️

[@DFUK83]

i was at the sharastani and lammtarra derbys, what lam. did was amazing in his racing career just unheard of

[@Willho21]

Amazing pair of hands....A top top jockey. People outside of racing might look at his record no Champion Jockey title etc but all those who follow knew the sport knows he is up there with the very best in the big races. Such a shame.

[@frankryan782]

Lots of jockeys suffer depression after they stop riding, it's a shame there's not more support. .

[@WESSERPARAQUAT]

Walter had a particular modus operandi he always tended to strike for home 2f out that was his thing , I remember him landing an absolutely MASSIVE gamble for work rider Clive Lines and his horse Tiger Shoot word had even reached where i live that he was most definitely OFF that day and would win Walter had him in front from the get go and won easily by 3L

[@frankryan782]

I remember walter getting arested for being found in a car with a bottle of whisky drunk. He explained to the police that he was depressed after the murder of Mr Scott a Newmarket trainer he knew and that he would win the Derby in memory of Mr Scott which he did.. My friend use to ride for eddy reavy at Newmarket and use to go with walter and the hills twins to there mums house in the town , he said walter would head straight to the fridge for ice cream. .

[@ryanwood656]

What does brought scott know

[@edmondscott7444]

He has a lifetime in racing.

[@quick46]

More than you if you disagree with any of that you shit house

[@kevinmunday5782]

He is a superb journalist and broadcaster, in the Field

[@martinkennedy2400]

..what does Brough Scott know? his words here would suggest an awful lot indeed: he was clear, concise, respectful modest, understated informed, knowing personal, moving, poetic, true

[@stephenord3403]

More than you, ffs