The day I won the Derby: a 99-year-old groom with a head full of memories
Racing writer of the year Lee Mottershead meets an Epsom hero of the past
According to the Pathe newsreel, more than a million people were at Epsom on the day of the 1949 Derby. Even the more conservative published estimate of 500,000 is hard to compute. However many were there, one remains alive and just months from his 100th birthday. That man is the last remaining winner of the 170th Derby.
The Queen was still Princess Elizabeth when, in the absence of her poorly father, she led the royal party on a Saturday afternoon that delivered sunshine and gales to the famous Downs. Alongside the young princess were her husband, mother and the late king's consort, Queen Mary. There were pearly queens, pearly kings, a prince called Monolulu and Winston Churchill, then leader of His Majesty's Opposition.
There was also a 26-year-old Irishman, born and raised in the County Limerick town of Kilmallock. Johnny Tolton won the Derby that afternoon. He was not formally recognised as part of the triumphant team and still has only photographic proof of his role in the victory of Nimbus, the first horse to claim Epsom Classic glory in a photo-finish. In the mind of that man, it all continues to be wonderfully vivid.
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Published on 28 May 2022inInterviews
Last updated 15:36, 28 May 2022
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