THE racing and point-to-point community has been deeply saddened by news that Willie Codd died on Wednesday evening. He was 43.

From Bridgetown in Co Wexford, he was a leading point-to-point handler and he trained numerous track winners. Grade 1 winner Tranquil Sea was one of his earliest winners and in recent years he developed a reputation as a producer of potential top-class racehorses.

He sold Tell Us More for £290,000 in December 2013 and Alisier D'Irlande for £300,000 in April 2014. Both horses were ridden by Willie's brother Jamie to win point-to-points shortly before being sold. Stellar Notion was another graduate of his academy.

Last season he had 10 winners between the flags, double his score from the previous term. He also had four winners on the racecourse last season from just 23 runners. Last month he posted on social media his delight at seeing two horses he had trained win on the same day at Ayr.

He leaves behind eight-year-old son Jack and baby daughter Aria.

The following funeral notice is taken from rip.ie

The death has occurred of William CODD

Churchlands, Mayglass, Wexford

Dear father of Jack and Aria. Beloved son of Billy and Mary Frances, brother of Lisa, Jamie and Zoe, brother-in-law of Redmond and Robyn. Sadly missed by his son, daughter, parents, brother, sisters, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, Louise, Jean, aunts, uncles, cousins, and a wide circle of friends.

Reposing at his parents residence on Friday from 12 noon with removal on Saturday morning to St. Fintan's Church, Mayglass for funeral Mass at 12 noon. Burial afterwards in Mayglass Cemetery. (House private on Saturday morning please). Family flowers only. Donations, if desired, to ASK and the Irish Injured Jockeys.