News that John Fleming died in a road accident shocked Ireland's racing and bloodstock community on Thursday.

The Co Kilkenny accountant was returning from the breeze-up sales at Doncaster when he was fatally struck by a bus close to Dublin Airport. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Fleming was a regular buyer at the breeze-up sales, usually partnering with trainer Michael O'Callaghan. He was also involved in many winners trained by Joe Murphy, including last year's Coronation Stakes winner Cercene.

Although he was involved with dozens of winners, none ran in his name until Navassa Island won at Cork earlier this month.

He was perhaps best known in racing as the founder and publisher of the Irish Racing Yearbook, which has been published every December since 2003. He also created the G1 Bloodstock Review.

Suzanne Eade, chief executive of Horse Racing Ireland, said in a statement given to The Irish Times: “Like everyone connected to Irish racing, I am very saddened to learn of the sudden passing of John Fleming. He was a very talented and hugely respected man with a genuine passion for the sport.”

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