Tommy Kinane, a revered figure in Irish racing, has sadly passed away at the age of 90. Known for being a pivotal part of Ireland’s renowned racing legacy, he leaves behind a rich history and an enduring mark on the sport.
Tommy was born in County Tipperary on October 3, 1933. His most famous victory was when he rode the Des McDonogh-trained Monksfield to the first of his two Champion Hurdle victories at Cheltenham in 1978, beating Sea Pigeon and Night Nurse into second and third.
While Tommy had numerous victories throughout his incredible career, this was one of three Cheltenham Festival winners ridden by him, with the others coming on Kilcoleman in the 1977 County Hurdle and Stranfield in the 1979 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.Tommy retired from the saddle in 1980. However, the legend continued as, by that time, his son Mick had been named as Champion Apprentice in 1978.
A celebrated National Hunt jockey, Kinane achieved significant success throughout his illustrious career. He made history by riding Monksfield to victory in the 1978 Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, defeating esteemed rivals Sea Pigeon and Night Nurse.
As he is laid to rest today, we remember Tommy Kinane
The winning jockey of the 1978 Champion Hurdle, Tommy’s connection to the sport endured all through his life thanks to his son Mick
We send our sincere condolences to the Kinane family pic.twitter.com/vB5iuDz5ee
— Horse Racing Ireland (@HRIRacing) October 10, 2023
In the realm of horse racing, the Kinane name has been synonymous with excellence. His son, Mick Kinane, emerged as a prominent Flat jockey, clinching the Irish Flat Jockeys’ Championship an impressive 13 times between 1984 and 2003.
Following in his father’s footsteps. Mick continued to earn the distinction of being known as one of the finest Flat jockeys in the history of the sport. Tommy and his family lived in Holycross for some years. We were proud to have him as part of our community.
He was small in stature with a big heart. He was so strong and incredibly determined. His work ethic and natural ability brought him his well-deserved success. He had a distinctive and wonderful wit. It was always a pleasure to meet him and enjoy his engaging personality Tommy is pre-deceased by his beloved wife Frances and mourned by their children Thomas, Michael, Jayo, Suzanne, Kathryn, Paul and Janette, relatives and an extensive circle of good friends, both in the world of racing and in every area of life he touched.
The funeral mass for Tommy Kinane will take place at the Church of Our Lady and St David in Naas at 10am on Tuesday, providing an opportunity for family, friends, and fans to pay their respects to the late racing legend.
Reflecting on Tommy Kinane’s accomplished journey, we remember a man with an unparalleled passion for the sport, leaving an indelible legacy in the world of Irish horse racing. May he rest in peace.
