Three-time Derby winner and Shergar jockey Walter Swinburn dies aged 55

He was affectionately nicknamed 'The Choirboy' because of his boyish complexion

Walter Swinburn on Doyoun after winning the 2,000 Guineas Stakes at the Newmarket meeting, England, 1988 (Getty)

Former jockey Walter Swinburn has died age 55.

Swinburn, who won the Derby three times, passed away peacefully at his home.

His racing careeer spanned from 1981 to 1996 before he went on to work as a trainer.

Swinburn was affectionately nicknamed "The Choirboy" because of his boyish complexion.

He won his first Derby riding Shergar in 1981, when he was just 19 years old.

Under Swinburn, Shergar pulled clear of the field, and won by ten lengths - the greatest distance recorded in the race's 236-year history.

The Michael Stoute-trained horse was later kidnapped by masked gunmen, who held the horse's groom and his family at gunpoint during the raid.

Police were criticised for the investigation that followed the theft of the horse, and Shergar was never seen again. The mystery has captured the minds of many racing enthusiasts and members of the public.

Swinburn went on to win two more Derbys, one on Shahrastani in 1986 and another on Lammtarra in 1995.

He also won eight British Classics and claimed victory in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.