THE death took place on Tuesday of Tom (TK) Laidlaw. He was born in 1924, the eldest son of The Right Honourable Thomas Kennedy Laidlaw after whom he was named. His grandfather was the High Sheriff of Dublin in 1919 and bred the 1913 Derby winner Aboyeur, as well as Gregalach and Grakle, winners of the Grand National in 1929 and 1931.

Scottish-born, like his grandfather, he made regular trips to Ireland from a small child, racing at Leopardstown and visiting the Gaisford St Lawrence family at Howth Castle. He was educated at Eton and enjoyed a distinguished career in the army. In 1950 his father asked him to move to Ireland and run the family’s Abbey Lodge Stud as well as the family home in Somerton.

He hunted with the Ward Union staghounds and enjoyed all country pursuits. He also worked closely with his aunt Miss Betty Laidlaw in running the stud where most of the stock descended from the foundation mare Terre de Sienne. John Oxx senior and his son John M trained most of the best winners, which raced in Betty’s colours. They raced Azurine, Madelon, Muffitys, Inanna and Safe Home. Other prominent performers they sold were Phazania, grandam of the 2004 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner Wilko, and the dual Oaks winner Blue Wind.

TK’s own black silks with gold spots were carried to success by the Trigo Stakes winner Innellan, and the successful sires Uncle Pokey and Callernish. He became a Turf Club member in 1982, the third generation to do so and was subsequently joined by his daughter Caroline Corballis. He acted as a steward at the Phoenix Park, Curragh and Leopardstown.

Married for 61 years to Beres (nee Murphy), he is survived by her, his four daughters Caroline, Julia, Anne and Ruth, eight grandchildren and a wide circle of friends. His funeral service was her on Friday in St Mary’s Church, Kentstown, Co Meath followed by burial in St Patrick’s graveyard, Tara.