JOCKEY DEATH SHOCK Racing in mourning as jockey dies aged 41 three years after breaking his neck

JOCKEY JT McNamara has died three years after being paralysed in a fall at the Cheltenham Festival.

The 41-year-old passed away at his home after being discharged from hospital over the weekend to spend his last days with his family.

The Irish jockey was left stricken when he broke two vertebrae in 2013 as his horse Galaxy Rock fell at the first fence of the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup.

It is understood he suffered complications on Friday night before being transferred to University Hospital Limerick, before being discharged to be with his family.

JT McNamara was a brave jockey who suffered other falls, such as this one at Cheltenham in 2012

Adrian McGoldrick, senior medical officer for the Irish Turf Club, said: “I’ve just spoken to his wife Caroline and I can confirm JT passed away peacefully during the night.

“A press release on behalf of the Turf Club will be released shortly.”

McNamara enjoyed many of his big-race successes in the colours of owner JP McManus, riding Rith Dubh to victory in the famous green and gold colours in the 2002 National Hunt Chase at the Festival and partnering Spot Thedifference in the 2005 Cross Country Chase.

JT McNamara on board Galaxy Rock before the start of his Cheltenham race

He also wore McManus’ silks when riding Drombeag to win the 2007 Foxhunter Chase at Cheltenham and the owner’s racing manager, Frank Berry, hailed McNamara’s fortitude.

He said: “It’s so sad and all our thoughts go out to Caroline and the rest of the family.

“A nicer fellow you couldn’t wish to meet. He was in great form up until maybe a week ago and he’s definitely been a fighter. He fought a great fight.

“The boss and him and myself had so many great days together. He was a great rider, but he also did a lot of pre-training of a lot of our younger horses and was a great man to tell you whether they were good or no good.”

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