RIP JT

Renowned rider JT McNamara dies at 41
BY TONY MCFADDEN 8:30AM 26 JUL 2016
JOHN THOMAS McNAMARA, the former leading Irish amateur rider, has died at the age of 41.

McNamara, who was widely considered to be one of the leading amateur riders of his generation, was paralysed after suffering a broken neck after a fall on Galaxy Rock at the 2013 Cheltenham Festival.

It was 15 months before McNamara was able to return home from Southport hospital. He was paralysed from the neck down but gained many admirers for his courage in the face of adversity.

JT is survived by wife, Caroline, two sons, Dylan and Harry, and daughter Olivia.

As a rider, McNamara will be remembered by many for his ice-cool performance aboard the tricky Rith Dubh in the 2002 National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. His patience and horsemanship came to the fore as he coaxed his recalcitrant partner ahead on the line.

He also won the National Hunt Chase in 2012 aboard Teaforthree, the Foxhunter Chase in 2007 on Drombeag and the 2005 Cross Country Chase on Spot Thedifference.

Tributes

McNamara was a popular figure within racing and leading figures within the sport paid tribute on Tuesday morning.

Trainer David Pipe tweeted: "Terribly sad news. Sincerest condolences to friends and family."

Colman Sweeney, himself a top amateur rider and winner of the Foxhunter Chase at Cheltenham, said: "I'm shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of JT. I'm blessed to have known him. Thoughts and prayers are with his family, RIP JTMC."

Always sad when someone loses their live under such tragic circumstances.

RIP John.

RIP John

So very sad that injury doing his job and what he loved to do has cost him his life.

RIP

Desperately sad news - a fine horseman.