Eugene Eleuthere duPont Weymouth, 85, of Kennett Square, died Monday, June 11, surrounded by family and caregivers who loved him very much.

He was born on Jan. 27, 1933 in Wilmington, to George and Deo duPont Weymouth. He attended A.I duPont and Westtown school. After graduating from the McDonough Military Academy in 1951 he attended the University of Wisconsin.

Born into a family that had a love of horses, Genes’ talent as an equestrian was evident at a very young age. As a child he competed at the Devon Horse Show, but then set his sights on the sport of steeplechase, later becoming one of the top amateur steeplechase jockeys of his time.

At the age of 16 he won the Deep Run Hunt Cup in Richmond (Va.) riding “Cormac”. That same year he won the Western Pennsylvania Hunt Cup riding “Done Sleeping.” Additionally, some of his career highlights include winning the Western Pennsylvania Hunt Cup, Monmouth Hunt Cup, New Jersey Hunt Cup, and the Maryland Hunt Cup. He also had the opportunity in 1952 of riding in the English Grand National in Aintree England on a horse named “Possible”. Unfortunately, they did not cross the finish line together, but Gene always counted that as one of his most memorable experiences. He also won the Pennsylvania Hunt Cup and years later, for many decades has graciously allowed the race to be run on his beautiful farm in Kennett Square.

At the age of 24 Gene started training racehorses becoming a leading trainer at numerous New England tracks. At the encouragement of his father he went off to work as a stockbroker for a brief period of time but returned to training. From 1984 until his retirement in 2010 Gene trained horses at the Fair Hill Training Center, working side by side with his employees from early mornings until late evenings. Never one to brag or boast he was always quick to encourage and congratulate other trainers on their achievements.

He looked forward to visits with his sons and was a proud grandfather. He enjoyed watching football and betting with friends. After retirement his time was spent traveling with his wife, Cindy and his four-legged friend Huey. He spent several winters in Florida and North Carolina where he enjoyed fishing, swimming, exploring new areas, watching sunsets and reading his newspaper.

He was a member of the National Steeplechase Association, National Museum of Racing, Pennsylvania Horse Breeders Association and Maryland Horse Breeders Association.

Gene was preceded in death by his son, George Tyler Weymouth, his brother, George A. Weymouth, and Trinda Hope Weymouth.

Gene is survived by Cynthia Irwin Weymouth, his wife of 19 years. He is also survived by his sons, Eugene Eleuthere duPont Weymouth Jr. and Knox Shaw Weymouth, his wife Dori Ann Weymouth, and their three children, Knox Ryder Weymouth, Dewitt Hobbs Weymouth, and Tyler Scout Weymouth. He is also survived by his sister, Patricia Bradford Hobbs, six nieces and nephews, and his former wife, Betty Shaw Weymouth.

Cindy Weymouth would like to give a very special thank you to the following: Sherrell Powell, Allie Brooks, Anjenette Jones, Angola Moore, Donna Crossan, Ernest Burston, Joann Caputo, and Kelly Glenn. Also, BK Temp, Homewatch Caregivers, and Trinity Health Care. She applauds this great team of caregivers for their kindness, compassion and many wonderful years of service.

He will be remembered by many in the horse racing community and missed and loved by all who knew him.

Services and Interment are private.

In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to the National Steeplechase Association, The Steeplechase Fund, 400 Fair Hill Drive, Elkton, MD 21921.