As the son of the famed English
National Hunt jockey Michael Scudamore, it was clear from an early
age that Peter Scudamore had inherited his father’s talent for
winning horse races. Born on the 29th June 1958, the jockey known as
‘Scu’ to his friends began his career in 1978 during his all too
brief 15 years in the saddle and he went on to win a remarkable 1,678
races in that time. Such was his success, that he received an MBE for
his work in the sport.
Amongst his achievements were 8 British
Champion jockey titles, two Scottish Grand National wins, four Welsh
Grand National triumphs, two Hennessy Gold Cups, three Sun Alliance
Chases and one Triumph Hurdle. It would not be an exaggeration to
call Peter Scudamore one of the great jockeys and it was a sad day
for racing when he retired in 1993, having achieved great success on
the likes of Bonanza Boy, Strands Of Gold and Celtic Shot.
He bowed out in style however, winning
his last ever race in the saddle on Sweet Duke at Ascot. A very
fitting end to a brilliant career.
Scudamore the Trainer
Peter walked straight into a job as
assistant trainer to Nigel Twiston-Davies, a position he fulfilled
until carrying out the same role for his now life partner, Lucinda
Russell at the Arlary House Stables in the Scottish town of
Milnathort. A role he still enjoys today.
Scudamore has also been active in the media, often appearing as a BBC pundit on their racing coverage and penning a racing column in British newspaper, the Daily Mail.
The good news is that it seems that the
Scudamore legacy is set to continue, as Tom Scudamore, Peter’s son
is now a professional jockey. If he has a career anything like his
dad’s, he won’t have done too badly at all.
