Irish racing’s regulatory body, the Turf Club, has outlined its devastation at the death of its senior National Hunt handicapper, Noel O’Brien, in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
The hugely popular O’Brien, 57, had fought a lengthy battle against illness and widespread sadness throughout racing has greeted news of his passing.
"We are devastated with the news. It is heartbreaking for us all but particularly for Noel's family. Noel fought a long and brave battle with the strength, courage and good humour that he brought to everything he did," said the Turf Club's chief executive, Denis Egan.
“He was a special person, kind and generous. He was never in bad form and always looked on the bright side. At work, he was the ultimate professional and took great pride in his work as senior national hunt handicapper.
“He contributed so much to the sport of national hunt racing. Many people who have contacted us this morning to express their sympathies have described him as one of nature’s true gentlemen: I can’t add to that. Please God he is now at peace and all his suffering is over.
“Our deepest condolences to his family. He will be greatly missed,” Egan added.
Earlier this year O’Brien had been diagnosed with oesophageal cancer. Complications arose after he had been operated on for that illness.
"It feels like a light has gone out in Irish racing. Noel was an absolute gentleman who had time for everyone. He was passionate about what he did and yet he was very popular in what was often a difficult position in which to keep everybody happy," said Horse Racing Ireland's chief executive Brian Kavanagh.
“He carried out his job with great ease and was a true professional. Everybody respected him. Our deepest sympathy is sent out to his family. He was only 57 but he had been in hospital since June,” he added.
O’Brien was instrumental in setting up the Anglo-Irish classifications which allocates handicap marks to runners in both Ireland and Britain.
The Co. Kildare native had been senior handicapper since 1995 having started out at the Turf Club in the account department.
