Renowned jockey Tom Scudamore announced his retirement from the saddle on February 17, 2023, after a career spanning over two decades.
Scudamore has announced his immediate retirement from racing following a fall at Leicester on Thursday. The jockey, who has ridden 1,511 winners and is ranked as the 10th most successful jump jockey of all time, had been the stable jockey for trainer David Pipe since 2007. Scudamore, the son of former champion jockey Peter, cited his age and recent concussion history as factors in his decision. “Falls I could take in the past are harder to take now,” he said. The incident at Leicester served as a warning, and Scudamore has decided to retire from the sport.
Born on May 22, 1982, in Hertfordshire, England, Scudamore was destined to become a jockey as his family has a rich history in horse racing. His grandfather, Michael Scudamore, and his father, Peter Scudamore, were both champion jockeys in their time. This gave Tom a strong foundation in horse racing and he started his career as an amateur jockey in 1998.
Scudamore rode his first winner at the age of 17 at Hereford Racecourse in 1999. He went on to become a professional jockey in 2001 and was crowned the conditional jockeys’ champion in the same year. He continued to win numerous accolades and awards throughout his career, including the Welsh Grand National in 2018 and the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2021.
One of Scudamore’s most notable achievements was his partnership with the legendary racehorse, Thistlecrack. The pair had an incredible season in 2016-2017, winning the King George VI Chase, the Long Distance Hurdle, and the Stayers’ Hurdle. This cemented Scudamore’s status as one of the top jockeys in the sport.
Throughout his career, Scudamore was known for his skill and professionalism, as well as his dedication and hard work. He was widely respected by his peers and fans alike, and his retirement marks the end of an era in British horse racing.
In an interview announcing his retirement, Scudamore said that he felt “privileged and proud” to have had such a successful career, and that he was grateful for the support of his family, friends, and fans throughout the years.
Overall, Tom Scudamore’s career as a jockey has been nothing short of exceptional. His numerous achievements and his dedication to the sport have made him a true legend in horse racing, and his legacy will be remembered for years to come.
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