FORMER jump jockey John Shortt has passed away following a long battle with cancer.

The Kilkenny-born jockey poignantly passed away today, on his 53rd birthday. One of his biggest wins came aboard the Jessica Harrington-trained Space Trucker in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle in 1996.

They went on to finish third in the 1997 Champion Hurdle behind Make A Stand.

Also in 1996 he won the Champion Novice Hurdle at the Punchestown Festival aboard Dance Beat for Space Trucker's connections. He also enjoyed success at the 1993 Aintree meeting aboard the Jimmy Coogan-trained Titled Dancer.

He spent a period based in Britain in the early 1990s.

After he retired from the saddle in 1998, with approximately 350 winners to his name, he acted as a jockeys' agent and Conor O'Dwyer was among his clients.

From Colbinstown in Co Kildare, John passed away peacefully at his residence surrounded by family. He is survived by his wife Ann Marie, daughter Alexandra, and sisters Susan and Anne.

He is reposing at his residence from 3pm to 7pm on Tuesday. On Wednesday the house is private and his remains will be removed to Mount Jerome crematorium for a private ceremony.

A memorial Mass will take place at a later date and his family has requested no flowers to be brought to the house.