The world of Point to Point horse racing is mourning the loss of one of its most influential figures, Tom Costello, who passed away on Saturday night at the age of 77. Based in Clare, Costello was renowned for his exceptional talent in identifying promising National Hunt horses at an early age and meticulously preparing them to achieve their full potential. His legacy is marked by an extraordinary record of having sold six individual Cheltenham Gold Cup winners, including the legendary three-time champion, Best Mate. Other notable horses he nurtured include Florida Pearl, Strong Flow, Hedgehunter, and One Man.
Costello’s impressive list of Gold Cup winners reads like a who’s who of racing royalty: Midnight Court (1978), The Thinker (1987), Cool Ground (1992), Imperial Call (1996), Cool Dawn (1998), and the iconic Best Mate (2002, 2003). For many years, his base in Clare was a place feared by competitors in younger Maiden races due to his consistent success in this category. However, Costello also demonstrated his prowess as a trainer, famously winning the 1973 Irish Grand National with Tartan Ace.
His contributions to the sport were widely recognized. In 1997, Tom was honored with the Rathbarry Personality of the Year award at the Point to Point awards ceremony. More recently, he received the Point to Point award at the HRI awards, acknowledging his significant impact on the sport. The Costello family’s influence in horse racing extends far beyond Tom himself. His son, Tom, was a formidable jockey, winning the riders’ title in 1982 and 1983 and amassing 250 point-to-point winners, ranking him among the top riders of all time. Dermot also achieved success, winning the title in 1989 and 1996 with 205 point-to-point winners. While another son, Tony, did not secure a title, he had the distinct pleasure of riding several top-class horses in point-to-points, including Best Mate, Florida Pearl, and Our Vic. Adding to the family’s continued success, son John has been producing high-caliber horses in recent years, with Our Vic being one of many to pass through his hands. This current season, the exciting young hunter chaser Carronhills is trained by John Costello.
Tom Costello himself was last seen at the Goffs Landrover Sale the week prior to his passing, a fitting location as he was most at home in sales rings and fields across the country, diligently selecting the next generation of horses. He possessed an unparalleled ability to identify equine talent. He once shared his philosophy: “I buy a horse I like – I mightn’t be as particular about the pedigree as other people are. We like the horse first and the pedigree later.” This approach proved remarkably successful, as the horses he favored often went on to become some of the finest in National Hunt racing history.
The sport has lost a true giant whose contributions were immense. The Irish Point to Pointer, now a highly sought-after commodity by owners seeking top-class National Hunt horses, owes its esteemed reputation in no small part to Tom Costello’s pioneering efforts. He demonstrated that the Irish Point to Point field was a fertile ground for exceptional talent. Many who have built their careers on buying and selling point-to-pointers today owe their trade to Tom Costello, who effectively set this trend. His presence will be deeply missed by the sport he so significantly shaped.
Our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends during this difficult time. Tom Costello, of Fenloe House, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co. Clare, passed away peacefully on June 14, 2009, at the Midwest Regional Hospital, Limerick. He was the beloved husband of Josephine and a loving father to John, Tom, Dermot, Adrian, and Tony. He is survived by his wife, sons, brother John, and extended families. He was laid to rest following Funeral Mass at Newmarket-on-Fergus Church, with burial in Fenloe Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations were suggested to the Irish Kidney Association.
