TOSS Taaffe, twice Ireland’s champion jockey and a member of one of racing’s best known families, died last Tuesday. He was 86.

Son and namesake of Rathcoole trainer Tom Taaffe, ‘Toss’ – as he was ever known – followed his older brothers Bill and Pat into the amateur ranks in 1949. His sister Ann married Peter McCreery and he was predeceased by his sister Lu Keane.

Turning professional in 1952, Toss Taaffe went on to emulate brother Pat when crowned overall Irish champion jockey in 1956 and National Hunt champion the following year. The brothers had effectively taken over the jumping scene vacated by the Molony brothers, Tim and Martin.

Toss retired in 1964 to succeed his ailing father in the Rathcoole stable. His immediate success in that sphere saw stable jockey Ben Hannon crowned champion National Hunt jockey in 1965. Ben’s father, Patrick (Blob), served as head man under both Tom and Toss Taaffe.

While Pat is forever associated with the immortal Arkle, Toss nevertheless rode more than his share of big race winners. Those included Olympia in the 1960 Irish Grand National and a Cheltenham Festival double in 1958 on full-brothers Sentina and Fortria, deputising for his injured brother Pat.

While steeplechase jockey for Vincent O’Brien, Toss was three times placed in the Grand National, on Churchtown, Carey’s Cottage and Royal Tan.

Ironically, his commitment to the O’Brien stable cost him Grand National honours on Mr What, successful for his father Tom in 1958. As Toss seemed set to ride one for Vincent, with just a week to go connections booked Arthur Freeman to ride Mr What, despite his having to put up 6lb overweight.

When Vincent’s hopeful fell by the wayside at the 11th hour, connections opted to remain loyal to Freeman.

On the home front Toss rode winners of the Leopardstown Chase on Icelough, the Thyestes on Sam Brownthorn, the Galway Plate on Gallant Wolf, the Kerry National on Carey’s Cottage and Trinculo, the Troytown on Icelough, Mr What, Soltown, Double Crest, Loving Record and Solfen, the Christmas chase on Mirabile and Loving Record and the 1964 Galway Hurdle on Extra Stout, his big race swansong.

As a trainer Toss retained his connection with the Thyestes Chase, sending out Greek Vulgan to win under stable jockey Ben Hannon in 1967 and again in 1969. Together with Naas owner Tom Lawlor, Toss enjoyed a notable Punchestown triumph when Ted Walsh brought Shaneman home the popular winner of the coveted Conyngham Cup in 1973. It was Tommy Carberry who piloted Beau Parc to win what proved to be the final renewal of the Christmas Chase at Leopardstown in 1971.

Toss went on to enjoy many years in retirement with Ann, his wife and companion for 63 years and the families of their five daughters Anna (Freyne), Noreen (Keeling), Fionnuala (McMullan), Patricia (Madden) and Sarah. His funeral mass took place in Saggart, Co Dublin, on Thursday morning. Our thoughts go out to Ann, her family and extended family. May he rest in peace.

G.W