FORMER Taoiseach Albert Reynolds died on Thursday. He was 81. An avid racegoer, he rarely missed a trip to the Galway Races and attended the Cheltenham Festival whenever possible. He was also a supporter of his local track at Kilbeggan races and a tribute was paid to him there during their meeting last night.

Reynolds was involved in various syndicates over the years and his son Philip has enjoyed much recent success with winners such as Upazo, Curley Bill, Bosman Rule, Rich Coast, Go Darsi Go and Lady Clitico. Mr Reynolds is survived by his wife Kathleen, two sons and five daughters. His funeral mass will take place on Monday at noon in the Church of the Sacred Heart, Donnybrook, Dublin.