THE funeral took place on Monday of Tara Hill Stud owner Desmond (Des) Noctor.

Des stood several well-known stallions at his Gorey stud including Cult Hero, the sire of the 2014 Rolex Kentucky winner Bay My Hero and The Deputy, Emperor Augustus, sire of Dublin young horse champions Caesars Palace and Emperors Touch, and Knockboy.

Another Emperor Augustus winner at Dublin was this year’s traditional and reserve yearling champion Superior Choice, bred by Des, a staunch supporter of traditional breeding.