CAPTAIN Simon Walford passed away peacefully at home in Co Meath on Wednesday. He was in his 90th year. He was a brother to the late John Fowler and sister to Jessica Harrington.

Known to his many friends in racing simply as “the Captain”, a rank he earned in the military, he was involved in almost all aspects of the racing and bloodstock world during his lifetime and was devoted to the Meath Hunt.

He rode and trained successfully and was still riding on the track into his 50s. He became a member of the Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Committee in 1972 and Turf Cub in 1981.

He served on the top table as a National Hunt Steward from 1993 to 1996 and was INHSC Senior Steward in 1984 and 1989. He worked on the Appeals Body and Licensing Committee, and stewarded regularly at Dundalk, Fairyhouse, Kilbeggan, Navan, Punchestown and Roscommon.

Devoted his life to racing

His nephew Harry Fowler said: “Simon devoted his life to racing. He was clerk of the course for the Meath Hunt point-to-point for many years. Right up until last week he was calling the team to check on preparations for next April’s fixture.”

He shared broodmares with Bryan Murphy of the Dunraven Arms Hotel and the pair could always be seen together at the National Hunt Sale. He was also an advisor to the Maktoum family when they first began acquiring stud farms in Ireland.

Survived by his wife Angela and daughters Caroline Brockbank and Jeanie Pollock, Simon Hugh Walford will be laid to rest following his funeral service at 2.30pm next Tuesday (January 17th) in St Patrick’s Cathedral, Trim, Co Meath. Family flowers only. House private.

The Irish Field will publish a tribute in a future edition.