Racehorse trainer Dessie Hughes has passed away at the age of 71.
During a successful career as a jockey, Hughes rode Davy Lad to victory in the 1977 Cheltenham Gold Cup, and came back two years later to claim the Champion Hurdle aboard Monksfield.
Hughes' biggest successes as a trainer came with Hardy Eustace who won back-to-back Champion Hurdles in 2004 and 2005.
He is survived by his wife Eileen, daughter Sandra and son and three-time champion flat jockey Richard.
Members of the racing community have been paying tribute to Dessie Hughes:
RIP Dessie Hughes. A great trainer, great jockey and an absolute gentleman. Sympathies to Eileen, Richard & Sandra. pic.twitter.com/UECm9qbAzl
— Brian Kavanagh (@bkav2011) November 16, 2014
He was One of the greatest trainers that we've ever seen and by far the best mentor and friend anyone could ever ask for! RIP Dessie Hughes!
— Bryan Cooper (@92bryan92) November 16, 2014
