FORMER trainer John Bowles died last weekend, aged 67, in a Co Westmeath nursing centre following a short illness. His remains will be taken to his native Wales for internment.

Bowles lost his British trainers’ licence in 1980 for running a ‘ringer’ in a Newton Abbot hurdle race. He moved to Ireland in 1989 but was not granted a training licence by the Turf Club until 1998 when he took over the permit held by his son Lee, a successful point-to-point handler.

As a licensed trainer John Bowles had occasional brushes with the racing authorities here but was a popular figure on the summer circuit and in the Westmeath area. Based in Killucan, his best horses included Back To Bavaria, Zamnah, Willyever and Willyelkra.