JOHNNY Connaughton, an award-winning thoroughbred breeder based at Barrettstown House, Dysart, Co Westmeath, died peacefully at home on Wednesday in his 94th year.

A year ago he was the well-deserved recipient of the Small Breeder Award from the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association, thanks to the exploits of Group 2 winner Bay City Roller.

On the night he was lauded by his peers for his achievements in breeding and racing a string of high-class horses, produced at his stud outside Mullingar, where he has never had more than eight mares.

Some 16 years ago, Dunboyne Express won two Group 3 races for Connaughton before being exported to Hong Kong, where he won a string of Group 1 races under the name Dan Excel.

His requiem Mass will be celebrated today (Saturday) at 1pm in the Cathedral of Christ the King, Mullingar. The burial is private.

He is survived by his wife Teresa, and their children Julie, Laura, Darragh and Elizabeth, and seven grandchildren.