OBITUARY – ELVIS ‘RICKY’ THURGOOD

A very sad exit of Ricky Thurgood dearly beloved son of Doris and Noel Thurgood of Caulfield, Victoria, who loved Elvis so much, he was always referred to as Elvis, which he, in turn,  responded to, with a smile.

While sending my sincere condolences to his entire family, I must add that Ricky’s parents, to their credit, gave up nearly everything in life, to look after this son, after his tragic accident, and I was privileged to know them both, personally.

I will now pass on to the obituary notice I have just read, with genuine sadness, so rest in peace now

Elvis Ricky Thurgood, and may God bless you and keep you in His care, forever.

Desmond Kelly.

(Editor-in-Chief) eLanka. 

Victorian racing mourns loss of popular jockey Elvis ‘Ricky’ Thurgood, 62 Gilbert Gardiner

Source:-heraldsun

Thurgood’s loving parents Noel and Doris spent the past four decades caring for the former jockey, who suffered a traumatic brain injury and extreme physical deficits in a 1980 fall at Caulfield.

Thurgood, who was born in Sri Lanka in 1958, rode 58 winners from 533 starts before tragedy struck in the Easter Cup at Caulfield when his mount Taras Regent sustained a fatal heart attack and collapsed.

Doctors at The Alfred hospital at the time advised family Thurgood was not expected to survive the night.

He would go on to surpass all predictions — days, weeks and months — to survive and thrive for 41 years in the family home at Caulfield South thanks to the dedication of his parents.

Thurgood is survived by his parents Noel and Doris, brother Derek and sister Debbie as well as immediate family Brian, Wendy, Andrew, Kellie and Vanessa.

“As Ricky’s loving parents and family, the past 41 years have been like nothing we could have ever have anticipated,” the Thurgoods said in a statement.

“Our blessing is that we have been able to care for Ricky at home throughout that time.

“We love him beyond all else and his passing leaves us heartbroken.”

Thurgood and his siblings Derek and Debbie were brought out to Australia in 1969.

He attended secondary school at Caulfield High, which was next to the racecourse.

Thurgood would go on to start an apprenticeship with legendary Caulfield trainer Angus Armanasco.

His first ever race ride was at Flemington in 1976 as a 17-year-old.

In the same year, Thurgood rode his first winner aboard a horse called World Wonder at Caulfield.

Victorian Jockeys’ Association executive officer Matthew Hyland paid tribute to Thurgood.

“On behalf of all past and current Victorian jockeys, we recognise Ricky’s passing and remember him as a much loved and valued member of the Victorian jockey group,” Hyland said.

“We recognise Ricky’s successes as a jockey, we salute the unbelievable reserves of bravery and courage he called on over the past 41 years of a truly extraordinary life.

“We pay every possible tribute to the unfailing dedication shown by his loving, kind and amazing parents, Noel and Doris, and to the love and support provided by his brother Derek and his sister Debbie.

“I speak for all VJA members in especially recognising and thanking Lisa Stevens from the RV/VJA Jockey Assistance Program and my predecessor Des O’Keeffe for their unwavering support of Ricky and the Thurgood family. Rest peacefully Ricky.”

Racing Victoria chief executive Giles Thompson echoed the sentiment.

“I extend our deepest sympathies to the Thurgood family at this time. Ricky was a highly talented and respected young rider making his way in Victorian racing when the injury occurred,” Thompson said.

“To Ricky’s parents, Noel and Doris, please know that we recognise Ricky for the incredible courage he has shown over the past 41 years, and know we will remember the unwavering love and care shown by you to your son over this amazing journey.”

Originally published as Victorian racing mourns loss of popular jockey Elvis ‘Ricky’ Thurgood, 62