PADDY Woods, the former jump jockey closely associated with Arkle and one of the most popular figures in Irish racing for decades, died on Tuesday. He was 93.
Having previously worked with trainer Dan Moore, Woods became a key member of the Tom Dreaper stable during a golden era in the 1960s. He rode Arkle, still widely regarded as the greatest steeplechaser of all time, in one race - which they won - and partnered the horse in most of his work at home.
Arkle went on to win three Cheltenham Gold Cups.
From Ratoath in Co Meath, Woods lived in a house on the Dreaper farm where he and his late wife Phyllis reared a family. Their son Francis became a leading jump jockey, based with Arthur Moore, and is now part of the Rathbarry Stud management team.
As a jockey himself, Paddy Woods won two Irish Grand Nationals for Tom Dreaper, on Last Link and Splash.
He took out a trainer's licence and enjoyed success in the Conyngham Cup at Punchestown and the Ladies Cup, and in the Kerry Grand National with Beech King.
In more recent times he was a sales representative for Gain Equine Nutrition, only retiring in 2012 at the age of 82.
He is survived by sons Edward and Francis, and daughters Margaret, Siobhán, Suzanne, Ann, Elizabeth and Charlotte.
Reposing at Mc Entaggart’s Funeral Home, Ratoath (A85 DW27) from 3pm until 7pm on Friday. Funeral Mass on Saturday at 11am in the Holy Trinity Church, Ratoath, followed by cremation in Dardistown Crematorium.
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