THE racing world and wider horse community here lost a true friend with the death of Jim Wilson, who passed away recently after a bravely fought battle with lung cancer.

Born in Kent on February 4th, 1950, Jim and his brother Robin grew up in Doninga, Co Carlow, where they were neighbours of Paddy Mullins who trained Herring Gull to win the Irish Grand National in 1968.

Jim went to boarding school at Headfort, Kells at eight, initiating for me a lifelong friendship.

After school, having spent time with Georgie Wells, Paddy Mullins and Jacko Doyasbere in Chantilly, Jim joined my father at Ballysax, and for whom he rode his first winner in 1970.

He then spent seven years with David Nicholson, where he met his future wife and soulmate, Melinda.

Jim was a highly accomplished and successful amateur rider, notably winning the 1981 Cheltenham Gold Cup on Little Owl. In 1980 he became the only amateur to be crowned leading rider at the Cheltenham Festival, having ridden three winners. He also won the Pertemps Final three years in a row with Willie Wumpkins.

Among his achievements as a trainer were to saddle two winners at the Cheltenham Festival and a Welsh Grand National.

Jim was an all-round sportsman, excelling in tennis, shooting, fishing and golf – he used that damn pipe to line up his drive from the tee-box!

Hugely popular, a devoted family man and full of fun, Jim was genial and generous, impish and mischievous. He will be greatly missed by the many people whose lives he touched.

My condolences go to his wife Melinda, daughters Fiona and Sarah, granddaughters Emily, Tessa and Sophie, and his brother Robin. May he rest in peace.

ALTM