I read with sadness today of the death of one of Ireland's best known and talented jockeys, Pat Eddery, at the age of just 63 following a long illness.
Eddery grew up in Newbridge, before taking his chances as a 14 year old, leaving home for England to find his way in the sport he loved. His bravery in making that decision was an indicator to his determination, which served him well in a brilliant career in the saddle over 3 decades.
The horse which put Eddery on the map was 'Grundy', who gave him his first win in the Epsom Derby 40 years ago, and who ended up playing a part in one of the greatest races of all time, coming out on top against Bustino in the King George the Sixth and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes that summer.
Eddery rode over 6000 winners worldwide, including further Epsom derbies on 'Golden Fleece' for Vincent O'Brien in 1982 and 'Quest for Fame' in 1990.
After 'Dancing Brave' suffered from an ill judged ride to fall short in the 1986 Epsom Derby, Eddery was given the task of gaining redemption in the biggest flat race in Europe, the Arc, and the 3 year old benefited from an ice cool ride to justify his rank as one of the greatest flat horses of a generation.
It was a golden era for flat jockeys. Football and Racing dominated our screens on Saturday afternoons, and Lester Piggott, Willie Carson, Steve Cauthen and Eddery were the cream of the crop.
That Pat Eddery would take home the jockey's title in Britain 11 times was a great inspiration for those horsemen who would follow in his footsteps on the Flat and in National Hunt.
May he rest in peace.