DENIS Macauley, breeder of Brave Inca, died last weekend after a long illness. From Ballynahinch in Downpatrick, he rode as an amateur and trained several winners.

He spent two terms as chairman of the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association Northern Region and was also a lifelong member of Balmoral Show.

By Good Thyne, Brave Inca won 10 Grade 1 races between 2004 and 2009.

The 2006 Champion Hurdle was his crowning glory, and he won the Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown twice. Another great day for connections came in April 2005 when he defeated Harchibald and Macs Joy in a close finish to the Punchestown Champion Hurdle.

Denis Macauley’s funeral took place on Wednesday and he is survived by his wife Susan and children Victoria and Stephen.