MICHAEL O’Callaghan has paid a heartfelt tribute to John Fleming, the racehorse owner and bloodstock industry accountant who died this week in an accident at Dublin Airport.

From Kilkenny city, Fleming was returning from the breeze-up sales at Doncaster when he was fatally struck by a shuttle bus as he walked to his car at the airport. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Fleming was a regular buyer at the breeze-up sales, usually partnering with O’Callaghan. He was also involved in many winners trained by Joe Murphy, including last year’s Coronation Stakes winner Cercene.

Although he was involved with dozens of winners, none ran in his name until Navassa Island won at Cork earlier this month.

He was perhaps best known in racing as the founder and publisher of the Irish Racing Yearbook, which has been published every December since 2003. He also created the G1 Bloodstock Review.

Still reeling from the sudden loss of his close friend and mentor, O’Callaghan said: “John deserves more than my words. I am heartbroken. There was nobody like him, the most selfless man I knew.

“I wouldn’t have a training career without him. These past 16 or 17 years, he has always been there, and every horse I’ve owned, he’s had an equal share with me.

“He was a like a second dad to me. His family told me I was like his third son and that just meant more to me than anything. I just can’t really do him justice.

“John touched everyone in Irish racing. He just loved helping people and finding solutions.”

Suzanne Eade, chief executive of Horse Racing Ireland, said in a statement given to The Irish Times: “Like everyone connected to Irish racing, I am very saddened to learn of the sudden passing of John Fleming. He was a very talented and hugely respected man with a genuine passion for the sport.”

Kerry Ryan, who worked with John on the Irish Racing Yearbook team, said: “John had an unbridled passion for the breeding and racing industries, both at home and abroad.

“He had a wonderful generosity of spirit. We will all miss spending time in his company.”

He is survived by his wife Marian, children Danny, Fintan and Orlaith, and their mother Paula. Reposing at his home on the Castle Road in Kilkenny (R95P924) on Sunday from 3pm to 7pm. Requiem Mass on Monday at noon in St Patrick’s Church, College Road, Kilkenny. (R95VX96)