Sharon Ann Maloney, often known as “Sam” and a frequent presence on backsides for the past 50 years, passed away Thursday, Oct. 1, in Warrenton, Va., after a battle with cancer. She was 73.
Maloney worked as a groom and exercise rider in her 20s, particularly for trainer Willard Proctor in California, before returning to her home state of Virginia to concentrate on breaking yearlings. Maloney spent summers in Saratoga, including decades working at the barn of H. Allen Jerkens. In her home state, she worked for trainer Barbara Graham at the Middleburg Training Center. She also bred and owned a number of horses on her own before getting out of the business in 2015 and concentrating on rescuing donkeys.
President of the local SPCA at the time of her death, Maloney was the daughter of New York trainer John Maloney, whose twin brother, Jim Maloney, was also a trainer and is in the Hall of Fame. Maloney is survived by her brothers, John T. “Chip” Maloney, Jr. and Kevin Maloney, both of Warrenton, as well as nephews and other relatives. A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date. The family requests donations in her honor to be sent to Fauquier County SPCA, PO Box 733, Warrenton, Va. 20188.
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