Morgan, jockey agent in Chicago area, dies at 72

Tom Morgan, one of the best-known jockey agents in Chicago, died this weekend at 72.

For decades, Morgan, a Michigan native, booked mounts for an array of riders at the various Chicago tracks. Regardless of how live his jockey might be, Morgan, a gadfly who always came to work carrying a brown briefcase, seemed to be not only at the center of the racing-office dynamic, but an endless source of racing gossip and information.

Morgan “launched and oversaw the careers of many jockeys,” veteran Chicago trainer Chris Block said. “He was extremely dedicated to Chicago horsemen, racing, and will be extremely missed by all.”