Thomas Hitchcock, Sr.

Thomas Hitchcock Sr.
Occupation	Trainer
Born	November 23, 1860 Old Westbury, New York, U.S.
Died	September 29, 1941 (aged 80) Old Westbury, New York, U.S.
Spouse	Louise Mary Eustis (m. 1891; her death 1934)
Children	4, including Thomas Jr.
Major racing wins
Adirondack Stakes (1906) Saratoga Special Stakes (1906) American Grand National Steeplechase (1906, 1938)
Honours
National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame (1973)
Significant horses
Salvidere, Good and Plenty, Annibal

Thomas Hitchcock (November 23, 1860 – September 29, 1941) was one of the leading American polo players during the latter part of the 19th century and a Hall of Fame horse trainer and owner known as the father of American steeplechase horse racing.

He was born on November 23, 1860 in Westbury, New York to Thomas Hitchcock (1831–1910) and Marie Louise Center (1829–1913), the daughter of a New York merchant. His father had been involved in the newspaper business with Charles Anderson Dana. He was educated at Brasenose College, Oxford, where he won a Blue for Polo in 1883, playing in the University polo team alongside his friend, Douglas Haig, 1st Earl Haig, later Field Marshal Earl Haig. He graduated in 1884.

His brothers were Center Hitchcock (1856–1909) and Francis R. Hitchcock (1860–1926) was a thoroughbred owner/breeder in both the United States and in France and was a member of the Board of Stewards of The Jockey Club for thirty-one years. His brother left the bulk of his estate to Thomas.

Thomas Hitchcock was a key figure in developing the sport of polo in the United States. In 1877, he and his friend August Belmont Jr. were part of the group that organized the first polo match on Long Island, New York, played on the infield of the racetrack at the Mineola, New York, Fair Grounds. One of the first 10-goal players in the U.S., Hitchcock's efforts resulted in the 1881 formation of Long Island's Meadowbrook Polo Club. In 1886, he was a member of the United States team in the first International Polo Match that played for the Westchester Cup. A polo player herself, and the founder in the year 1916 of the Aiken Preparatory School, Louise Eustis Hitchcock had her sons playing polo as soon as they were old enough to swing a mallet. She also helped family friend Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney to learn the game. Son Tommy Jr. would become a polo player who is considered by many expert observers as the greatest to have ever played the game.

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