Leading Irish amateur rider McNamara dies aged 41

John Thomas McNamara, one of the leading amateur riders of his generation. McNamara will be remembered by many for his ice-cool performance aboard the tricky Rith Dubh in the 2002 National Hunt Chase. PHOTO | COURTESY

What you need to know:

  • He was paralysed from the neck down but gained many admirers for his courage in the face of adversity.
  • 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.

John Thomas McNamara, 41, who was widely considered to be one of the leading amateur riders of his generation has passed on.

He was paralysed after suffering a broken neck after fracturing two vertebrae in 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.

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.

His patience and horsemanship came to the fore as he coaxed his recalcitrant partner ahead on the line.

He also won important trophies on Tea for three, Drombeag, and, Spot The difference.

The world of horse-racing has been plunged into mourning with this tragic news. He is survived by wife Caroline and three children.