Tom Scudamore | Jockey Profile & Tips

Tom Scudamore is one of the most accomplished National Hunt jockeys of his generation. The son of eight-time champion jockey Peter Scudamore, Tom carved out a distinguished career spanning 25 years before retiring in February 2023 at the age of 40. With over 1,500 winners, 13 Grade One victories, and 13 Cheltenham Festival successes to his name, his legacy in jump racing is secure. This page provides a comprehensive overview of his career for horse racing fans and punters interested in understanding the form and history of one of the sport’s most respected figures.

Career Overview

Tom Scudamore — Career Statistics

Full Name	Thomas Michael Scudamore
Born	1982
Years Active	1998 – 2023 (25 years)
First Winner	Nordic Breeze, Warwick, 3 July 1998
Career Wins	1,511 – 1,678 (varies by source)
Career Starts	~11,855
Win Strike Rate	~13%
Place Rate	~36% (2,762 places)
Grade One Wins	13
Cheltenham Festival Wins	13
Best Season	2014/15 (150 winners)
Retired	February 2023

Note: Career win totals vary between 1,511 and 1,678 across different sources. The discrepancy may reflect different counting methods or inclusion of point-to-point races.

Early Career and Family Legacy

Tom Scudamore was born into racing royalty. His father, Peter Scudamore, won the Champion Jockey title eight times and was one of the most dominant jump jockeys in British racing history. His grandfather, Michael Scudamore, also rode professionally, making Tom the third generation of his family to make a career in the saddle.

Tom rode his first winner aboard Nordic Breeze at Warwick on 3 July 1998, aged just 16. From there, he steadily built his reputation in the weighing room, establishing himself as a reliable and intelligent rider rather than one who relied purely on strength or aggression.

Association with David Pipe

The defining partnership of Scudamore’s career was with trainer David Pipe. In March 2007, Tom was appointed as Pipe’s number one jockey, a role that gave him access to a powerful string of horses and a regular supply of quality rides.

The Pipe yard was a consistent source of winners, and the partnership produced many of Scudamore’s biggest moments, including multiple Cheltenham Festival victories. The relationship between jockey and trainer was built on trust and mutual respect, with Scudamore’s cool-headed riding style perfectly complementing Pipe’s meticulous approach to training.

Major Wins and Highlights

Cheltenham Festival

Tom Scudamore rode 13 winners at the Cheltenham Festival, an achievement that places him among the most successful jockeys in the history of the sport’s most prestigious meeting. His Cheltenham record includes victories across a range of races, from handicaps to Grade One championship events.

Thistlecrack — World Hurdle (2016)

One of Scudamore’s finest hours came aboard Thistlecrack in the 2016 World Hurdle (now the Stayers’ Hurdle) at the Cheltenham Festival. Thistlecrack was one of the most exciting jumpers in training at the time, and Scudamore gave him a masterful ride to claim the Grade One prize. The performance cemented Scudamore’s reputation as a jockey for the big occasion.

Grand National Rides

Scudamore rode in multiple Grand Nationals during his career. His most notable attempt came aboard Battle Cry in the 2009 Grand National, where he finished the course in 16th place. While the Grand National eluded him as a winner, completing the course at Aintree is an achievement in itself given the race’s extreme demands.

Riding Style and Strengths

Scudamore was widely respected for his tactical intelligence and composure under pressure. He was not the most flamboyant jockey in the weighing room, but he was one of the most consistent. Key attributes included:

• Tactical awareness: Scudamore read races exceptionally well, positioning his mounts to take advantage of the pace without committing too early.
• Big-race temperament: His Cheltenham Festival record demonstrates his ability to deliver on the biggest stage, where pressure and expectation are at their highest.
• Horse management: He was known for getting the best out of horses over fences, guiding them through tricky obstacles with minimal fuss.
• Reliability: Trainers valued his consistency. A 13% win rate and 36% place rate across nearly 12,000 rides reflects a jockey who delivered returns race after race.

Retirement

Tom Scudamore announced his retirement from race riding in February 2023 at the age of 40. The decision came after an unseat at Leicester, following which he decided he no longer had the energy to continue at the top level. In interviews, he expressed satisfaction at retiring on his own terms, in one piece, rather than being forced out by injury — a fate that many jump jockeys face.

His retirement marked the end of an era for the Scudamore family’s active participation in the saddle, though the family name continues to carry enormous weight in British racing circles.

Post-Retirement

Since retiring, Scudamore has remained involved in the racing world. He has taken on media and speaking engagements, sharing his insights and experiences from a quarter-century in the saddle. No rides have been recorded under his name in the 2024/25 or 2025/26 seasons, confirming his full retirement from competitive riding.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many winners did Tom Scudamore ride?

Tom Scudamore rode between 1,511 and 1,678 career winners, depending on the source. All counts agree he surpassed 1,500 wins during his 25-year career.

Is Tom Scudamore retired?

Yes. Scudamore retired in February 2023 at the age of 40. He has not ridden competitively since.

Who is Tom Scudamore’s father?

Tom’s father is Peter Scudamore, an eight-time Champion Jockey and one of the greatest National Hunt riders in history.

Did Tom Scudamore win the Grand National?

No. While Scudamore rode in multiple Grand Nationals, he did not win the race. His best-known attempt was on Battle Cry in 2009, where he finished 16th.

How many Cheltenham Festival winners did Scudamore ride?

Scudamore rode 13 winners at the Cheltenham Festival, including the 2016 World Hurdle on Thistlecrack.

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