FORMER National Hunt jockey Pat Clarke, described as ‘one of the best lightweight riders of his time’, died earlier this week.

Well regarded by his colleagues in an era of capable riders, Clarke had a fruitful association riding for the legendary Willie Rooney and worked closely with 1984 Irish Grand National winner Bentom Boy (trained by Rooney and ridden to victory by Ann Ferris for that memorable success at Fairyhouse).

Based in Kildare town but formerly of Ballyfermot, Dublin, he passed away on Monday in the care of St Brigids Hospice, the Curragh, surrounded by his family.

Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board clerk of the course and race starter, Paddy Graffin, who previously had a highly successful career in the saddle himself, said: “Pat was a very, very good rider. In the weighing room era of great riders like Tommy McGivern, Joe Byrne and Padge Gill, he mightn’t have been one of the biggest names around but he was one of the best lightweights you’d find anywhere at the time. Pat would have done 9st 7lb for you after his breakfast and lunch.

“He was a quiet lad, but a seriously strong rider. Me being from the north, I came to notice him when he was riding for Willie Rooney. We all know how prolific Willie was as a horseman and if you got to ride for him, you sat up and took notice. What I really remember about Pat was how he was as brave as a lion. When you rode down to a fence, he was never found wanting. I really admired him. While he might have been lesser known to some, he was highly regarded by any of us in the weighing room who knew him.”

Predeceased by his parents Leo and Dinah, brother John, sisters Bridie and Chrissy. Pat will be sadly missed by his partner Anne and their son Dylan, sons Allan and Nicky, and extended family and friends.