Young jockey dies tragically

JOCKEY John Tobin from Kells, Co Meath was buried this week. The 31-year-old had not ridden a winner for two years and had a troubled lifestyle. His body was found in the River Blackwater in Kells. He rode winners for trainers Matthew Smith, Hugh Finnegan and Tom Gibney. Bernard Caldwell of the Irish Stablestaff Association said: “John had plenty of friends in racing and he worked for some very good trainers. It is terribly sad news and we pass on our condolences to his family.”

Retired bookmaker passes away

MANY faces from the racing and betting world attended the funeral this week of retired on-course bookmaker Peter Fitzsimons. Aged 85, Fitzsimons died peacefully last Sunday at his home close to the Navan Road in Dublin 7. Predeceased by his wife Mary, he is survived by his children Sean, Ann, Peter and Marie.

HK Challenge

Pat Smullen and Ryan Moore will take part in Longines International Jockeys Challenge at Happy Valley in Hong Kong on December 7th.

Jane Davis joins Red Mills team

Jane Davis is leaving Horse Racing Ireland’s marketing department to take the role as Equine Brand Manager with Connolly’s Red Mills.

After a college internship with the Curragh Racecourse, Davis worked with Leopardstown and joined HRI after completing her post-grad education. She was manager of Tipperary Racecourse for a number of years and her current position of Racecourse Marketing Support Manager at Go Racing saw her heavily involved in the promotion of Irish Champions Weekend.

She said: “I’ve been very luck with the opportunities I have had with HRI and have worked with some fantastic people.” She starts her new job on December 12th.