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Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD, today offered his condolences to the family and friends of renowned jockey, JT McNamara who has sadly passed away.

"My thoughts are particularly with his wife Caroline and his three children; Dylan, Harry and Olivia at this very difficult time", he said.

"JT had an outstanding career with over 600 victories and was a four-time Cheltenham Festival winner. His successes included all of the significant races for amateur jockeys at the Cheltenham Festival such as the National Hunt Chase on two occasions (2002 and 2012), the Cross Country Chase in 2005 and the Fox Hunter Chase in 2007. He was one of Ireland's finest amateur jockeys and was widely respected and loved by the whole racing family.

A proud Limerick man, JT has been an inspiration to us all in the very dignified and courageous way he adapted to his vastly changed circumstances following his devastating fall in 2013. He will be fondly remembered and sadly missed by everyone in the horse racing community and beyond .”