RACEHORSE owner Dan Browne was laid to rest this week. Aged 88, the Corkman died on Tuesday and his funeral Mass and burial took place in Ballygunner, Co Waterford, where he lived. He co-founded Dawn Meats, one of the country’s biggest beef and lamb processors and was for many years a board member of The Agricultural Trust, owners of The Irish Field and Irish Farmers Journal.

His horses were trained in Wexford by Paul and James Nolan, and ran in the name of Dan’s wife, Kay. Joncol was by far his best horse, winning seven races including the Grade 1 John Durkan Punchestown Chase in 2009 and the Grade 1 Hennessy Gold Cup in 2010. His family is also involved in the ownership of current stable star Daily Present, winner of the Kim Muir Chase at Cheltenham last March.

Paul Nolan said: “Joncol was Dan’s first horse with me, so we go back a long way. He absolutely adored racing and hurling. Not only was Dan a fantastic businessman but he was a wonderful human being. Kindness and humility were his main traits.”

He is survived by his wife Kay and their three sons and one daughter.