MANY figures from Irish racing attended the funeral Mass yesterday of John Ross, the former vice-chairman of Punchestown Racecourse. He died on Tuesday after an accident at his home in Grangecon, Co Wicklow.

Dick O’Sullivan, chief executive of Punchestown, said: “We are so sad about the most tragic incident and the terrible loss John will be to Mary and his family who deeply loved him.

“John loved his racing and was a regular racegoer. He was heavily involved when I arrived in Punchestown during a troubled period. While his views may not have been universally accepted, his love of Punchestown and dedication could and will never be questioned.

“It was fitting that during a recent general meeting of Kildare Hunt Club where permission was sought to carry out the current capital programme of the new stand, John was the man to propose and sanction the development from the floor of the meeting.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Mary and the family at this very sad time.”

Racecourse chairman David Mongey added: “On behalf of the board and management of Punchestown, I would like to express my deepest sympathies to Mary and her family.

“John was a loyal and true member of the Kildare Hunt Club and had a passion for Punchestown. He was a man of integrity and in all aspects of my role at Punchestown he was very supportive. His presence will be sadly missed around the racecourse. May he rest in peace.”

The retired solicitor leaves behind five children, including Graham, who is well-known in racing having worked for Irish Thoroughbred Marketing, Betdaq and Betfair.

The Ross family has requested that donations be made to St James’s Hospital Burns Unit.