SWISS Olympian and renowned horse dealer Max Hauri has passed away at the age of 74.

The international show jumper competed more than 50 times for Switzerland in Nations Cup competition and jumped at the Olympics in Tokyo (1964) and Munich (1962).

Known for his partnerships with horses like Millview, Haiti and Red Baron, Hauri was a regular visitor to Ireland to buy horses.

The famous sire Cavalier Royale was brought to Ireland by Seamus Hughes in partnership with Hauri, a pivotal move in the Irish sport horse breeding industry.

Hauri also took numerous Irish riders under his wing, including Peter Leonard, Eddie Moloney, Noel Barry, Padraig McCarthy among many.

For more, see The Irish Field this weekend – online from 9.30pm Friday and in shops Saturday