The entire New South Wales Racing Industry is saddened by the passing on Saturday morning of former top country trainer, Mr Tom Mulholland.
Tom, 69, passed away peacefully surrounded by family in St Vincent’s Hospital following a long battle with illness.
Mr Mulholland was a widely-respected trainer of thoroughbreds and prepared many top gallopers with his best being King Rex (who won 12 races including the Listed-Ramornie at Grafton, the LR-Ladies Day Cup at Hawkesbury and was placed in five Stakes events including the Carrington Stakes at Royal Randwick). Others horses of note were China Rug, Bresway and Imacase.
One of Tom’s most cherished memories was winning the Martin Whiteley Cup at Dubbo in successive years with Wilecho and Hand Reel.
Tom grew up in Dubbo then moved to Trangie where, after leaving school, he helped his father run both the butcher shop and train racehorses. Tom rode successfully as an amateur jockey and also had a stint as a professional rider before getting a trainer’s licence.
Aside from preparing horses, Mr Mulholland excelled in tutoring apprentices such as Malcolm Fitzgerald, Dar Lunn, Chris Whitely, David Lloyd and Nelson Logue.
“I wouldn’t had a career in horse racing had it not been for Tommy Mulholland,” said Mal Fitzgerald, now a Training Officer for Racing NSW, and a former top Stakes-winning jockey.
“Tommy was a real gentle man. He was the Theo Green of the west, taking in young apprentices and teaching them not only riding and horseman skills, but giving them the skills of life.
“He came from the old school where the apprentice had to live on the premises with Tom and Maudy. It taught all the kids the real values of life.
“Tommy never once raised his voice but just talked and taught. I have never ever heard anybody say one bad word against him. He was that type of man. He was a beautiful human being.
“He had a heart bigger than the size of Phar Lap and Black Caviar put together – he will be sorely missed by many, many people.”
The Mulholland Family wish to offer special thanks to the team at St Vincent’s Hospital for the exceptional support and care they provided to both Tom and the family.
Tom Mulholland is survived by wife Maureen (Maudy) and daughters Narelle and Anne-Marie, her husband Max, and the many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Source : Racing NSW
