MIKE Doyle, the Irish-born trainer who had almost 1,200 winners in Canada, has died. Aged 74, he was at his winter residence in Florida when he suffered a heart attack this week.

Son of Jack Doyle, Mike was a brother to bloodstock agent Peter and to racehorse trainer Paul who died in 1986. He was an uncle to cousins Ross and Tamso Doyle.

From Dublin, Mike Doyle developed skills across a range of equine disciplines as a young man, from breaking to training both jumpers and racehorses, all while still in school.

After relocating to Canada, his career took a major step forward in 1978 when he became the trainer for George Frostad’s Bo-Teek Stable, earning his first win that same year.

Six years later, he purchased the filly Bessarabian for $122,000 from a friend in Ocala, Florida. Her stellar performances helped him secure the 1984 Sovereign Award for Outstanding Trainer.

Over the decades, Doyle trained many notable runners, including 1989 Canadian Oaks champion Blondeinamotel, Wavering Girl, and Wild Gale, the latter finishing third in both the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes during the 1993 US Triple Crown campaign.

A milestone moment came on October 25th, 2014, when Doyle celebrated his 1,000th career win with Evangeline’s Hope at Woodbine. This August, Doyle was formally inducted into the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame.

By the end of his remarkable career, Doyle amassed 1,178 wins, including 29 stakes victories, and total purse earnings of $44,219,047.

David Cox of Baroda Stud said: “Mike was one of the coolest people you could ever hope to meet. He lived life on his own terms - he trained, he golfed, he laughed, and he always had great pals around him.

“I am a generation below, yet we were good old pals, as are so many of the lads in Kentucky and Florida who were so shocked to hear of his early passing when I let them know on Thursday. I loved every chance to have a drink with him as did Tamso, Ross and all the Irish cousins.

“We were lucky he came home to Ireland every year to see his brothers John (RIP) and Peter and all the family. Those visits meant a lot. I’ll miss his phone calls - that familiar ‘Hey, Coxie - what’s going on?’.

“Our deepest sympathy to Deirdre, Melissa, Marshall, Darren and his grandchildren, Declan and Harlan.”

Paul Shanahan of Coolmore Stud said: “I had the privilege of knowing Mike Doyle for upwards of 40 years. He was a great friend and we shared many happy times together in Florida at the two-year-old sales and indeed at all the sales throughout North America.

“Mike was a truly wonderful man, a wonderful friend and the news of his passing came as a great shock. His family are very dear to me, and our thoughts are with them all.”

Richard Hannon Junior said: "Michael gave me my first job in racing when I went away to Canada. He was truly an amazing man who made a contribution towards many young people in the industry and to their careers, whilst being light hearted and affable with his lovely attitude. Beneath it all he was one of the most talented men in racing.

"I will never forget his kindness, humour and support as a young man when I was away from home. He is a fine example of a man, from one of the best families in racing. He will be missed dearly, but he will certainly be remembered as a true gentleman of the sport that we all love.

"My thoughts are with his family and I share the proudness that his family have. I am sure his family are extremely proud of him and his huge legacy. Thank you Michael.”