FORMER amateur rider and highly respected horseman Keith Dalton died unexpectedly just after Christmas.

From Fethard in Co Tipperary, he was successful as a point-to-point rider 10 years ago and also rode on the track. But he was also an important member of Aidan O’Brien’s team in Ballydoyle during those years.

A talented work rider, he was singled out for praise by O’Brien after Power won the Irish 2000 Guineas in 2012. He also accompanied Septimus to Australia for the 2008 Melbourne Cup.

Coolmore entrusted him with former Grade 1 winner Ned Kelly, who he rode in open lightweights for two seasons.

He rode and trained future dual Welsh Grand National winner Mountainous to finish second in a 17-runner five-year-old geldings’ maiden at Dromahane in December 2010 on his second start, before he won a Bennettsbridge maiden two months later for Eoin Doyle.

Dalton rode on the National Steeplechase Association circuit in the US between 2015 and 2017. He won three races from 53 rides, his biggest success in America coming aboard Kremlin for Jack Fisher at the prestigious Iroquois Steeplechase fixture in 2017.

US racing writer Sean Clancy recalled: “Keith was a sweet, mild-mannered, low-key person. I know he was well liked here. He was good friends with Willie McCarthy.”

He was laid to rest following funeral Mass at St Oliver’s Church, Clonmel on Sunday and we extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends.

Predeceased by his father Jimmy, sisters Shirley and Jackie and brother Gerard, he will be sadly missed by his mother Carmel, brothers Michael, James, Richie and John Paul, sisters Frances, Paula, Sonya, Sarah & Johann, partner Margaret, nephews, nieces, extended family and friends.