The racing industry was shocked yesterday by the sudden death of jockey Timmy Houlihan. The 21-year-old from Killorglin,Co Kerry, was one of the most promising lightweight riders in the country and his death is the latest blow to a sport still trying to come to terms with the losses of Sean Cleary and Kieran Kelly.
Tributes to Houlihan, who lived in Kildare and was found dead near his home on Monday night, came from all sectors of the sport including Turf Club chief executive, Mr Denis Egan, who described his death as "shattering news." One of Houlihan's greatest moments in the saddle came in last year's McDonogh Handicap at Galway which he won on the James Burns-trained Vinthea.
He rode extensively for Burns who was shocked by the death of the popular young jockey. "We are all very upset here. Timmy was a very popular guy with all his work colleagues and with his fellow riders. He was also a very talented jockey who had a great couple of seasons with us. We just couldn't believe it when we heard," Burns said.
"I can't believe what has happened," said trainer Christy Roche. "He was a lovely chap, well able to ride and he had everything going for him. All our sympathies must go to his parents and family."
