Tributes paid to Swinburn

Leading French trainer Criquette Head-Maarek described three-time Derby winner Walter Swinburn as "one of the greatest ever jockeys" following his death at the age of 55.

Head-Maarek and Swinburn developed a fruitful association in the 1990s, most notably with Hatoof, on whom the rider won the 1000 Guineas and the Champion Stakes at Newmarket.

The Chantilly handler said: "When I found out about the news of Walter dying, I was very, very sad.

"We had some glorious times together and won a lot of big races with horses like Hatoof.

"He was such a talented rider. He had really soft hands and had fantastic judgement during races.

"He was also a great horseman and seemed to know exactly what he was doing all the time.

"In my opinion, I think he was one of the greatest ever jockeys."

Swinburn was one of the most renowned riders of his generation and will forever be inextricably linked with the brilliant Shergar.

Nicknamed the 'Choirboy', he partnered the Sir Michael Stoute-trained colt to glory in the 1981 Derby at the age of 19, one of three winners for Swinburn in the Epsom Classic alongside Shahrastani (1986) and Lammtarra (1995).

Many other big-race successes around the world adorned his CV before his retirement from the saddle in 2000.

Head-Maarek added: "Walter was a great boy and it is such a young age that he has died.

"When you like someone, you never want them to leave."

Former jockey Jason Weaver felt Swinburn's tutelage in the weighing room played an important part in his career.

He said: "Walter was in a phenomenal era of jockeys alongside Pat Eddery, Willie Carson and Steve Cauthen.

"He had a special something about him. From a horseman's perspective, he had a wonderful set of hands.

"He could get everything settled and switched off and into a rhythm. He had more than just a natural talent, he had a God-given talent.

"I was 10 or 11 years his junior and you could ask him anything and he would always give you advice.

"There were lots of horses he won on that most jockeys could win on, but when he won you saw that brilliance in that unique style he had.

"His death is very sad news."

Swinburn won the 1983 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe on the filly All Along, trained by Patrick Biancone, while the Breeders' Cup Turf came his way with the Stoute-trained Pilsudksi in 1996.

In addition to Hatoof in 1992, he also landed the 1000 Guineas with Musical Bliss (1989) and Sayyedati (1993), with his 2000 Guineas success coming through Doyoun (1988).

Shergar and Swinburn went on to claim the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot in their Derby-winning year, with the jockey twice tasting success in the Irish Derby with Shareef Dancer (1983) and Shahrastani (1986).

In 1987, he again teamed up with Stoute on the biggest stage to claim the Oaks aboard Unite.

Swinburn and Carson were great rivals during a golden age of gifted horsemen.

The former five-time champion jockey highlighted Swinburn's temperament as being one of his greatest attributes.

Carson told At The Races: "He rode a Derby winner before I even rode a winner at the same age. Isn't that incredible?

"He was a natural. He was one of those natural lads that when he sat on a horse, he knew exactly what to do.

"He got more excitement out of the big days than he did on the little days.

"He was as cool as cool could be."

Reigning champion jockey Jim Crowley was in awe of Swinburn's finesse in the saddle.

He told Sky Sports News: "He was a great guy. He was a gifted rider with beautiful hands.

"He probably found it very easy and he was beautiful to watch."