Trainer Jim Tormey passes away
TRAINER Jimmy Tormey died peacefully this week in Tullamore’s Midland Regional Hospital. From Mullingar, Co Westmeath, Jimmy held a licence for 47 years and, assisted by his brother Tommy, he trained General Symmons (Paddy Kiely) to finish third in the English National and he won the national trial at Punchestown. He recorded 21 wins with El Kekni and 18 with Grand Visior. He is survived by his wife Pauline, sons Brian and Paul, and daughters Carol and Una. He is reposing in Shaw’s Funeral Home in Mullingar today (Saturday) from 3pm to 5pm, with removal to St Nicholas’ Church in Multyfarnham arriving at 5.30pm. The funeral mass is on Sunday at 12.30pm followed by burial in The Rock Cemetery. The family has asked that donations, in lieu of flowers, to be sent to North Westmeath Hospice.
Nelson Bunker Hunt dies, aged 88
OWNER and breeder Nelson Bunker Hunt died this week, aged 88. Among the best horses to race in his colours were 1976 Derby winner Empery, the 1968 Prix de l’Arc winner Vaguely Noble and that sire’s daughter Dahlia. His horses in Ireland were trained by the late Ted Curtin. Having made a fortune in oil, Bunker Hunt was once one of the world’s wealthiest individuals but later lost everything on the silver market.
Ruler Of The World
Last year’s Investec Epsom Derby winner Ruler Of The World has been retired from racing and will stand at Coolmore for 2015. “Ruler Of The World has a recurrence of the muscle injury in his hind quarters that he suffered earlier in the summer and although it’s not critical, we have advised that he be retired to stud,” said Ballydoyle vet John Halley.
McCoy back
A.P. McCOY returns to action at Chepstow today having missed most of the past two weeks through injury. McCoy hurt his shoulder at Worcester over a fortnight ago and his return after four days off was short-lived as he stood down following a winner last week.
New British track gets fixtures
BRITAIN’S newest racecourse, Chelmsford City, has been awarded 57 meetings in 2015, starting on January 11th. The all-weather track was formerly known as Great Leighs. There are 1,471 meetings scheduled for Britain in 2015, seven more than this year.
Slade Power nears big day
THE Eddie Lynam trained Slade Power remains on course to sign off his racing career in the A$1 million VRC Sprint Classic at Flemington on Saturday, November 8th, two weeks from today.
His main rivals were in action yesterday in the Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley, won by champion Lankan Rupee in a six-way photo-finish.
Date change for Downpatrick
THE Downpatrick meeting scheduled for Monday afternoon, August 24th next year has been transferred to the afternoon of Monday, August 31st.
Gavin Faulkner gets agent
FLAT jockey Gavin Faulkner has enlisted the services of Ruaidhri Tierney as his agent. The 38-year-old from Navan rode over 100 winners in Britain before moving to the USA in 2005. He returned to ride in three races at Navan on Wednesday.