DUBLIN - JT McNamara, one of Ireland's leading amateur jump racing jockeys until he was paralysed in a fall three years ago, has died aged 41, it was announced Tuesday. McNamara, whose cousin Robbie was also left seriously injured after a fall last year, fractured vertebrae in his spine in a fall from Galaxy Rock in the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup at the 2013 Cheltenham Festival. The racing world set up a fund to help him, with among others Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary -- one of jump racing's biggest and most successful owners -- contributing 200,000 euros in 2013 ($256,000 at the time). Jockey JT McNamara fractured vertebrae in his spine in a fall from Galaxy Rock in the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup at the 2013 Cheltenham FestivalMcNamara, who notched four wins at jump racing's most prestigious meeting, the Cheltenham Festival, died in his sleep. "We're devastated at Jackdaws (his stables) to hear of the passing of JT, the greatest horseman I've ever known.

Source: Bangkok Post July 26, 2016 10:30 UTC