Renowned jockey JT McNamara has died at the age of 41, three years after a fall left him paralysed from the waist down.
The top rider, whose full name was John Thomas, hailed from Croom, Co Limerick, and had victories in the Cheltenham Festival before his accident on the track in 2013.
It is understood he suffered complications in recent days and spent time in hospital before returning home to Springfield Stables.
Adrian McGoldrick, senior medical officer for the Irish Turf Club, said he passed away peacefully during the night.
Frankie Ward, regional secretary of point-to-points in Limerick, knew the jockey from a young age and followed his career from ponies to racecourses.
She said: "He was a hero, there's no doubt about it. He was a legend in his own lifetime even though it was a short one.
"We will all miss him desperately."
A skilled jockey and trainer, he was regarded by contemporaries in the weighing room as a horseman as good as virtually any professional.
His fall, while riding Galaxy Rock, came at the first fence in the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Chase for amateur riders on March 14 2013. It was said to have come as he was contemplating retirement.
He was 37 at the time and spent months in hospitals in Britain and Ireland before returning home to Limerick where he required round the clock care.
Ms Ward said McNamara had undoubtedly left his mark on the racing world.
"His colleagues at Galway today will be devastated but let's celebrate his wonderful life because that's what we should be doing," she told Newstalk radio in Ireland.
"And I'm sure God has probably got him as first jockey up there this morning."
He had a record at Cheltenham of 16 wins overall at the track including four at the festival on board Rith Dubh in the 2002 National Hunt Chase, Spot Thedifference in the 2005 cross-country chase, Drombeag in the 2007 Foxhunter Chase and Teaforthree in the 2012 National Hunt Chase.
JT McNamara is survived by his wife Caroline and children Dylan, Harry and Olivia.
MORE ABOUT