THERE was great sadness in British and Irish racing with the news that Tom O'Ryan, the award-winning racing journalist and broadcaster, had died aged 61.

The news was broken by family friend Richard Fahey on Twitter. “Devastated to say that Tom O'Ryan passed away earlier today. Can't say how much we will all miss him. We've lost the voice of the north.”

O'Ryan, who made a recovery from life threatening injures after a farming accident in May 2013, when he suffered serious back, pelvis and hip injuries when struck by a fence post, had himself told of his illness on the social media forum on July 28th,

“Thanks to you all. Tough cancer battle ahead. Been involved in greatest game of all with the best of people. Been lucky for 61 years.”

A former jockey and flat apprentice, O'Ryan was highly respected within racing.

O'Ryan rode for Pat Rohan, Peter Easterby (on famours horses such as Alverton, Sea Pigeon and Night Nurse) and as a freelance for 12 years before weight forced him to turn his hand to journalism. He soon made an impact, working as a racereader for Raceform and joining the Racing Post as northern correspondent as well as becoming a presenter and pundit for Racing UK. He was named Racing Journalist of the Year in 2002 - andworked for the Press newspaper, in York.

O'Ryan was an anchor and analyst for Racing UK, a columnist for Sporting Life, a qualified jockeys' coach and a work-rider for Malton-based Fahey.

He had mentored many young apprentices, many of them in moving over to the UK from Ireland.

After his winner Rivet at York last week, trainer William Haggas had said he “hoped Tom and Wendy were able to watch.”

Richard FitzGerald, CEO of Racing UK paid tribute to O'Ryan: "Everyone at Racing UK is rocked by the tragic news of Tom's passing. Tom was an integral and incredibly popular component of Racing UK's presentation team for most of the channel's lifetime.

"He lived and breathed racing and gave everything to the sport. As a jockey, writer, riding instructor and broadcaster, his depth of knowledge and insight always shone through. He was an absolute gentleman known for his warmth, good humour and true Yorkshire grit. It is a very, very sad day not just for Racing UK, but the sport as a whole. Our thoughts are with Wendy and Tom's family at this horrible time."

Ricard Fahey said: "Tom's family have asked me to share the news. Tom was an incredible horseman & brilliant writer. Racing is a poorer sport without him in it."

O'Ryan is survived by his wife, Wendy, and his brother, Robin, who is travelling head lad for Fahey.

TRIBUTES

AP McCoy ‏@AP_McCoy

Very sad news about a lovely man. Condolences to his family RIP Tom

Derek Thompson @tommoracing

Tom O'ryan was a great man! Proud of his roots, a real racing man, helper to so many and a good guy to sit next to! I will miss him! RIP

Richard Hoiles @RichardHoiles

So sorry to hear of Tom O'Ryan's passing. Few people in racing will have helped so many with his time kind words and advice. A sad day.

David Minton ‏@dminty13

The death of Tom O'Ryan is a very sad time for Northern Racing and will have shocked everybody in racing, a lovely man , so respected RIP

Gordon Elliott ‏@gelliott_racing

R I P Tom o Ryan

Jonjo O'Neill @JonjoONeill

I'm heartbroken and lost for words. Tom was a great friend with an incredible way with horses & words. A great man who will be sadly missed.

Adam McNamara @AdamMcNamara953

Can't put into words how much I will miss Tom O'Ryan. He was a true gentleman, horseman, a great mentor, but most importantly a good friend.

Mick Fitzgerald @mickfitzg

Really sorry to hear of the death of Tom O'Ryan. A gentleman who always had time to say hello. May he rest in peace.

Oliver Sherwood @OliverSherwood

Really sad news that Tom O'Ryan has passed away - so young - thoughts with his family.

Stephen Hunt @chippychatty

Really sad to hear about racing journalist Tom O'Ryan's death. It was a privilege working with him when I was a young sports reporter!

Luke Morris @Luke_Morris88

Desperately sad to hear the passing of Tom O'Ryan a proper gentleman thoughts are with his family RIP

Paul Fitzgerald @Cav_TRF

RIP Tom O’Ryan. Going by the tributes on here, a man who did a lot of good during his life.

Geoffrey Riddle @Louchepunter

As a racing journalist you can only hope to a fraction of the impact Tom O'Ryan had on the sport. A gentleman. #RIP

@ponteraces

Very sad to hear of the passing of Tom O'Ryan. Thoughts & best wishes go out to all his friends & family

Sam Twiston-Davies @samtwiston

Awful news to hear of the passing of Tom O'Ryan. R.I.P Tom , thoughts with family and friends!

Niall Hannity @Niallhannity

Tom O'Ryan was never stuck for words, I am. So, so, cruel. Thoughts with Wendy and Rob.

Luke Elder @Lukeelder13

First met Tom O'Ryan last year, walked into the York press room telling everyone about 'bloody speed cameras' and to back Thesme off 79.

Dan Skelton Racing ‏@DSkeltonRacing

RIP Tom O'Ryan. A thoroughly knowledgeable man who was as nice a guy you could meet. Thoughts are with his family

Chris Dixon ‏@cdixon82

So sad to hear that my friend & colleague Tom O'Ryan has passed away. A man I respected & admired hugely, he'll be sorely missed.