ONE of Ireland's most respected jockeys Tommy Carberry has passed away today at the age of 75.

Tommy Carberry was five times champion Irish National Hunt jockey. He rode in his first race in 1958, and was crowned champion apprentice in 1959. He finally retired in 1982, after which he began training.

He rode 16 Cheltenham Festival winners between 1962 and 1982. His festival haul included three Gold Cups, two Stayers Hurdles and a Champion Chase. Famous names partnered included The Brockshee, Anaglogs Daughter, Meladon, Tied Cottage, Brown Lad, Ten Up, Inkslinger, L'Escargot and the grey mare Flying Wild.

He and his wife Pamela produced a racing dynasty among his sons Thomas, Philip, Paul, Peter Jon, Mark and daughter Nina, the leading lady rider of her generation.

Tommy rode his first winner (Tripacer) over jumps at the 1962 Cheltenham Festival meeting. His father-in-law Dan Moore provided many of his big-race triumphs including nine of his festival wins and he was also associated with the Jim Dreaper stable for successes with Brown Lad and Ten Up.

(left) Bobbyjo after winning the 1998 Jameson Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse.

Carberry rode L'Escargot to successive Cheltenham Gold Cups in 1970 and 1971 and won a third in the colours of Anne Duchess of Westminster on Ten Up in 1975. In 1975 he also rode L'Escargot to victory in the Aintree Grand National when he beat Red Rum who was trying for a third successive victory in the race. That year he completed a famous treble of the Gold Cup, Grand National and Irish Grand National with Brown Lad. He also won the Gold Cup on Tied Cottage who was later disqualified due to contaminated foodstuff giving a positive test. He also rode Fordham to victory in the Robert Sangster colours for Vincent O'Brien in the 1979 Irish Champion Stakes.

When he retired from riding, he started training and had his most celebrated success with Bobbyjo who won with his son Paul as jockey, he won the 1989 Grand National following a success in the 1998 Irish Grand National with BobbyJo.

Right: Tommy Carberry pictured in 2007 with Gordon Elliott at the John Smith's Grand National Irish Celebration dinner in Trim

In an RTE documentary he recalled: "We [Ireland] hadn't won the National for 24 years - I was the one to win it last on L'Escargot. You'd have to be proud that something went right for a change."

FUNERAL DETAILS

The death has occured peacefully at Kilbrew Demense, Curragha, of Tommy Carberry. Beloved husband of Pamela and father of Thomas, Paul, Mark, Philip, Nina and Peter Jon. Tommy will be sadly missed by his family, sisters Anna and Bess, grandchildren, extended family, relatives and friends.

Reposing at Mc Entaggart's Funeral Home, Ratoath from 3pm until 8pm on Saturday. Funeral Mass on Sunday at 12.15pm in the Holy Trinity Church, Ratoath, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.

Family flowers only, please. Donations in lieu to the Injured Jockey's Fund.

TRIBUTES AND CONDOLENCES

Punchestown @punchestownrace

Very sad to hear the news that racing legend Tommy Carberry has passed away. Great jockey, great judge & a great character. Rest in peace.

Horse Racing Ireland @GoRacing

On behalf of HRI,@bkav2011 extends his deepest sympathy to the Carberry family on the passing of jumps legend Tommy

Barry Geraghty @BarryJGeraghty

Very sad to hear of Tommy Carberry's passing he was a great character to be with who leaves a massive legacy RIP

mick fitzgerald @mickfitzg

A real racing legend. May he rest in peace

Davy Russell @_Davy_Russel_

He could win a gold cup on Thursday and a 5f sprint on a Friday probably 1 of the greatest to step into a pair of boots rip tommy carberry

Richard Austen @richardausten65

Well remember the awe I felt when I bumped into Tommy Carberry at Chelt once in early 80s. That man is a legend, I thought. Legend only grew

Brendan Powell @bpowell13

Tommy Carberry and Martin moloney pass away. Wow, some stories they will be telling one another. #legends. RIP

Mike Vince @halo_straight

Such sadness at death of Tommy Carberry. Patriach of a legendary family. Unique and irreplaceable fun. Love to his devoted family

AIRO @AIRO_Owner

We offer our deepest condolences to the family of Tommy Carberry. Another legend of Irish Racing lost this week. RIP

Brendan Boylan @BrendanBoylan

I am so very deeply saddened to hear of the passing of the great Tommy Carberry - a hero to me and so many, and father to more heroes.

George McDonagh @georgemcdonagh

Sad sad day for Irish racing with news of the death of Tommy Carberry a genius and a gentleman sympathies to all his family #tommycarberry

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