Eugene (Gene) O’Donnell, 74 of Scituate, MA, passed away on October 20, 2024 after a brief illness. Born July 3, 1950 in Quincy, MA, Gene was a Braintree native, attending Braintree schools and excelled as a star wrestler on the Braintree High wrestling team, making the State Championship after winning the Regionals. Upon graduating, he attended Northeastern University where he earned a degree in Physical Education.

At the age of 24, while studying at Michigan State and working towards his graduate degree, friends suggested he become a jockey instead and introduced him to the sport of thoroughbred horse racing – and the rest was history. Gene was off to Aiken, SC to embark on his race riding career, hone his craft, and then not long after would go on to win his first race at Florida Downs on February 18, 1977 aboard My Pumpkin.

Following his time riding at Florida Downs, Calder Racecourse, Hialeah, and Gulfstream Park, Gene headed to the Mid-Atlantic and New England circuits for the remainder of his 16-year racing career, where he rode over 5,000 races, earning the distinction of becoming a multiple stakes-winning jockey.

Upon retiring from racing, Gene was a resident of Cape Cod for 20 years and was devoted to his Catholic faith, serving as a eucharistic minister at Holy Trinity Church in Harwich.  

Not only did he love horses, but he loved his close friends and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Molly. He will be remembered for his kindness, sense of humor, and athletic competitiveness.

Eugene was the eldest son of the late William and Esther O’Donnell and brother to six siblings.

A funeral Mass will be held in his honor at Saint Francis of Church, 856 Washington Street,  Braintree, MA on Wednesday, October 30th at 10am.

Donations may be made in his memory to the Permanently Disabled Jockey Fund at www.pdjf.org.