Classic-winning jockey Tony Ives has died in Thailand at the age of 71 after a prolonged battle with health issues. The rider, who was one of the top Flat jockeys in Britain during the 1970s and 1980s, achieved his most famous victory aboard Teleprompter in the 1985 Arlington Million, one of the world's most valuable races at the time.
Career Highlights
Ives rode over 1,000 winners in Britain. He enjoyed a particularly successful partnership with Newmarket trainer Bill O'Gorman, riding talented two-year-olds such as Superpower, Superlative, Brondesbury, Mummy's Game, and the prolific Provideo. Provideo set a 20th-century record for a two-year-old by winning 16 of his 24 races.
Ives also won the Irish 1,000 Guineas in 1987 on Forest Flower, his only Classic success. He partnered Remainder Man to second place in the 2,000 Guineas and third in the Derby in 1978.
Later Life and Illness
After his success in Britain, Ives moved to Hong Kong to continue his riding career and later rode in Macau. He was forced to retire from the saddle in 1997 due to a worsening back problem, after which he worked as an assistant trainer. He eventually retired to live in Thailand.
In November 2024, Ives was hospitalized with a blood infection. A GoFundMe campaign was launched to help cover medical expenses, and many current and former jockeys contributed. An update in July 2025 noted that the Injured Jockeys' Fund agreed to cover some costs, but additional support was needed for full-time care and other expenses.
In October 2025, organizer Geoffrey Summers reported that Ives was also battling skin cancer following sepsis. He required 24-hour care, had three fingers amputated on his left hand, and his right hand was immobile due to sepsis. The campaign aimed to raise £10,000 for a year of care.
Tributes
Ives's death was confirmed by Injured Jockeys' Fund chief executive Lisa Hancock. She said: "We have been supporting Tony's family and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time. Tony was able to spend his final days at home with his family."
