Racing world in mourning as JT McNamara passes away aged 41

Legendary Irish jockey John Thomas McNamara has passed away.

The Limerick man was just 41 years old when he died at his home overnight, according to reports. McNamara, who was left paralysed by a fall at Cheltenham in 2013, is reported to have experienced complications on Friday night and was rushed to hospital. He was then allowed to return home to spend his final days with family and friends. “It’s a sad day. Isn’t it appropriate that he passed away during the Galway Festival where he would have ridden many a time,” family friend Frankie Ward told the Limerick Leader. “All his colleagues are there in Galway and will all be thinking of him. He was a great rider, a great personality and he called it as it was. He was a great horseman. He had several winners in the UK and Cheltenham. Nina Carberry took over from him riding a lot of Enda’s (trainer Enda Bolger) horses. They will all be sad but relieved that he is not suffering anymore. “Hopefully,” Frankie said, “he will enjoy Galway from heaven.” Everyone from horse owners to fans to footballers paid tributes to a true Irish sporting hero. https://twitter.com/STurnerTipster/status/757847755989458945 https://twitter.com/Darrenfrehill/status/757844049223049216 https://twitter.com/AtTheRaces/status/757844005677731840 https://twitter.com/HenseyPaul/status/757845932985638913 https://twitter.com/BoylesportsAR/status/757843064983478278 https://twitter.com/conormcelh/status/757843049313558528 https://twitter.com/tomquinny2/status/757841851051155456 https://twitter.com/chazaustin9/status/757849366249951232 https://twitter.com/RealDouvan/status/757849149635035136 https://twitter.com/CannonGannon9/status/757848607710064641 https://twitter.com/tipperaryraces/status/757849971542462464 https://twitter.com/RossAHyslop/status/757849882770018304 https://twitter.com/robboma3/status/757849825484247041