RACING in the north lost a good friend on Friday when Brian Fitzsimons passed away. In his mid 70s, he had been in poor health in recent months.

The Downpatrick man was chair of the stewarding panel at his local track up to two years ago, continuing a long family involvement with the venue. Downpatrick staged a race named in honour of Brian’s father, Frank, last weekend.

Brian was also a member of the INHS Committee since 1986 and of the Turf Club from 1995. He was a former steward of the INHS Committee and had been a member of the Licensing Committee and the Point-to-Point Committee.

Denis Egan, CEO of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board, said: “We are saddened to hear of Brian’s passing. He was a deeply committed member of the INHS Committee and the Turf Club and made a huge contribution to the sport, particularly point-to-points. He will be greatly missed. To his wife, Mary, and his brothers, Paddy and Frankie, we extend our deepest sympathy.”

Funeral details were unavailable at time of going to press.