Thomas Morgan

For close to five decades, Tom Morgan was one of the premier jockey agents and ultimate insiders in Chicago thoroughbred racing. He died Saturday from complications of acute myeloid leukemia with one of his riders predictably leading in the standings at the region's Hawthorne summer meet.

In his native Detroit, Morgan was an all-city quarterback who led Cooley High to the 1969 championship game of the Public School League. With deep passions for sports and journalism, he pursued a Journalism/Communications degree at Wayne State while clerking in the sports department of the Detroit News.

Tom began his career at the former DRC (Detroit Race Course) in public relations. In 1976, he arrived in Chicago as a publicity assistant at Arlington Park. One year later, he left the press box to begin representing Mike Morgan (no relation) in his quest for best mounts. That Association spawned Morgan's remarkable 49-year agenting career, handling an array of talent.

Along the way "The Captain " made so-so riders look good and good riders look great. He had an irascible, competitive demeanor that frequently masked an astounding capacity for kindness and compassion and sparked enduring friendships.

Of Morgan, Richard L Duchossois, the late czar of Arlinton Park once said "The passion and drive of people like Tom Morgan sustain the racing industry. "

The son of the late William Morgan, "The Captain " is survived by his 97 year old mother-Mrs. Madeline Morgan of Westland MI - sisters Susan Schaffer (Dan) , Diane Burge, brother Clayton and a paddock of nieces and nephews.

With Diane, Chris Block the president of the Illinois Horsemen's Association was in attendance at the finish line. A Celebration of Life in Chicago and a Mass service in suburban Detroit is being planned later this summer.

Memorials can be sent to Gallopingout.org - assisting in the re-homing and new careers for thoroughbreds and Oldfriendsequine.org - one of the nation's leading thoroughbred retirement farms.

Arrangements entrusted to Chicagoland Cremation Options in Schiller Park, Illinois.