KEN Dooley, the man who died following an accident in the stableyard at Kempton Racecourse this month, was from Dublin and had a number of good friends in Irish racing.

He was working for trainer Amanda Perrett at the time of his death and few details of his background were made public, other than he was in his mid 50s and had worked “as a jockey, trainer and jockey coach around the world”.

Louis Hassett contacted The Irish Field recalling that he worked with Ken for Jim Bolger in Lohunda Park, Clonsilla, in 1980. This was confirmed by Gerry Stack and Pat Martin, who were also in the Bolger yard at that time.

“He rode a lot of work alongside Declan Gillespie and was a top-class work rider,” Louis said. “He was always very helpful to work with. Gerry and Pat both remember him as a very dapper guy who was always neat and tidy, and well dressed.”

Turf Club records show that Ken held a jockeys’ licence in 1975, ‘78 and ‘80. Louis believes Ken’s uncle Mick Williamson was a valet.

Following an appeal for information on social media by The Irish Field, Pat Brady – who pre-trains in Japan – got in touch to say he employed Ken between 2005 and 2009 as a work rider.

A fundraising page to cover the costs of Ken’s funeral has been set up. Any remaining funds will be used to fund a memorial for him with any surplus donated to charity.

Web: justgiving.com (search for Ken Dooley)