CECIL Ronaldson, who died in Mullingar Hospital on Tuesday, began his distinguished career as an amateur rider in 1949. Ten years later he was crowned Irish amateur champion, no mean achievement in what many consider the golden age of ‘Gentlemen Riders’. Cecil had to contend with Bunny Cox, Francis Flood, ‘Buster’ Harty, Alan Lillingston, Bill McLernon and Kevin Prendergast.

Cecil was twice successful in the ‘Amateurs’ Derby’ at the annual Galway Festival, on Ballyflame for Charlie Weld in 1960 and again in 1966 on Many Mansions for Mick Connolly. However, Cecil ensured his place in Irish racing history when training and riding his wife Gaby’s Lady Flame to win a bumper at Mullingar, his local course, in December 1961. Arkle, making his racecourse debut, finished third.

As custodian of Col John Thomson’s remarkable broodmare Leney Princess, Cecil undertook the rearing and development of her offspring prior to their going to Tom Dreaper. They included the 1964 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Fort Leney, Prince Tino (20 wins), Proud Tarquin (nine wins) and Lean Forward (16 wins).

All received their initial with the Westmeath Foxhounds, ridden by Cecil in his bowler hat. Under his gentle but firm persuasion those youngsters jumped whatever was put in their path. The results spoke for themselves.

Predeceased by Gaby in 2011, Cecil is survived by his sister Sibyl and her husband Stewart, also by his stepsons John, Tom and Brian Groarke, to whom our sympathies are due on the passing of one to whom the term ‘Gentleman Rider’ really did apply.

The death has taken place of Rathdowney-based veterinary surgeon Dan Delahunty. His funeral took place on Thursday in Rathdowney and he is survived by his wife Nancy and their four sons and two daughters.