FIFTY years ago today the 1971 Irish flat racing season concluded on a tragic note when champion apprentice-elect Michael Teelin suffered fatal injuries from a fall in the Leopardstown November Handicap.

The 20-year-old from Kells in Co Meath had the title clinched with a total of 27 winners and was riding 25/1 outsider French Tune for his boss Clem Magnier.