JT McNamara, renowned jockey dies age 41-years

Renowned amateur jockey John Thomas McNamara has died aged 41.
By The Newsroom
Published 26th Jul 2016, 10:42 BST
Updated 26th Jul 2016, 12:08 BST
File photo dated 14/3/2013 of JT McNamara on Galaxy Rock before the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Steeple Chase during the 2013 Cheltenham FestivalFile photo dated 14/3/2013 of JT McNamara on Galaxy Rock before the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Steeple Chase during the 2013 Cheltenham Festival
File photo dated 14/3/2013 of JT McNamara on Galaxy Rock before the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Steeple Chase during the 2013 Cheltenham Festival

The top rider, known as JT and from Croom, Co Limerick, who had victories at the Cheltenham Festival, was paralysed from the neck down after a fall at Prestbury Park in 2013.

It is understood he suffered complications in recent days and spent time in hospital before returning home to Springfield Stables, where he died.

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Frankie Ward, regional secretary of point-to-points in Limerick, knew JT from a young age and followed his career from ponies to racecourses.

“He was a hero, there’s no doubt about it. He was a legend in his own lifetime even though it was a short one,” she said.

“We will all miss him desperately.”

A skilled jockey and trainer, JT was regarded by contemporaries in the weighing room as a horseman as good as virtually any professional.

The accident in a fall at the first fence in the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Chase for amateur riders on March 14 2013 was said to have come as he was contemplating retirement.

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He was 37 at the time and spent months in hospitals in Britain and Ireland before returning home to Limerick where he required round the clock care.

Ms Ward said JT had undoubtedly left his mark on the racing world.

“His colleagues at Galway today will be devastated but let’s celebrate his wonderful life because that’s what we should be doing,” she told Newstalk radio in Ireland.

“And I’m sure God has probably got him as first jockey up there this morning.”

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JT McNamara is survived by his wife Caroline and children Dylan, Harry and Olivia.

He spent about 15 months in various hospitals after the devastating fall from Galaxy Rock, including Bristol’s Frenchay, Southport and in Dublin before being allowed to return home.

Adrian McGoldrick, senior medical officer for the Irish Turf Club, told Press Association Sport: “I’ve just spoken to his wife, Caroline, and I can confirm JT passed away peacefully during the night.”

JT had a record at Cheltenham with 16 wins overall at the track including four at the festival on board Rith Dubh in the 2002 National Hunt Chase; Spot Thedifference in the 2005 cross-country chase; Drombeag in the 2007 Foxhunter Chase; and Teaforthree in the 2012 National Hunt Chase

He won on Spot Thedifference at Cheltenham seven times.