TRIBUTES have been paid this week to popular owner/breeder Liam Gavin after his sudden passing at the age of 71 last week.

A native of Co Carlow but firmly established as a Westmeath man for several years at his home near Rochfortbridge, Liam enjoyed a lifetime in racing and breeding horses - continuing the family tradition of his late father John, who had horses in training with Paddy Mullins from the 1950s.

Liam struck up a close association with Ciaran Murphy and Dot Love in nearby Mullingar and they combined to register a host of winners together down the years. The standout performer to carry his green and white silks was home-bred mare Bridge Native - a seven-time winner, who earned Grade 2 blacktype.

In recent years, Liam visited the winner’s enclosure with Murphy-trained campaigners such as Walhaan, Killian’s Garden and Titanium, and there was a most special moment involving the last-named of those horses when running in the €50,000 Finlay Volvo Premier Mile Handicap at the Curragh last Sunday. The race fell mid-way through Liam’s wake in his family home on the same afternoon.

All Liam’s closest relations closed the doors to mourners queuing at the house for a few moments in order to watch the race live, and there was understandably an enormous outpouring of emotion when the six-year-old stormed home to record his first win of the season at 12/1.

A number of Liam’s friends travelled to the Curragh to support the horse in his absence, and they returned with a picture of the win to place alongside his coffin. He was laid to rest after his funeral mass in Rochfortbridge on Monday.

Poignant success

“Sunday at the Curragh was one of the most special days we have ever been a part of - it was very emotional for everybody,” Murphy told The Irish Field.

“Liam’s passing has come as a huge shock to us all. He had an incredible passion and understanding for racing, and got a massive kick out of his involvement with the yard, right up to his final days.

“Our relationship with Liam went beyond owner-trainer. He was a fantastic friend and confidant; he was part of the family. On the good days, nobody enjoyed the craic and banter of everything that goes with a winner more than him. But, equally, he was the best man you could have in your corner when things mightn’t have gone to script. He was loyal, and always had your back.”

Murphy added: “All our team and owners are going to miss him terribly. He was such a popular man with anyone in his company at the races. Knowing Liam, he would have got such a thrill out of seeing Titanium win like he did on Sunday - for everyone. He won’t be forgotten.”

Liam is survived by his wife Sheila, children Edel, John, Declan and Emma and extended family. Donations were made to the Irish Injured Jockeys in his passing.