THE racing community was left in a state of shock with the news that Dr Brendan Doyle died last Saturday. Aged just 63, he had fallen ill without warning the previous Tuesday.

A prominent GP in Carlow, he was a passionate fan of horseracing and travelled to meetings all over the country. He owned numerous winners trained by his friend Willie Mullins, including Quiscover Fontaine, Major Vernon and Punting Pete. He played a prominent role in the Association of Irish Racehorse Owners for 20 years.

Many in racing attended his funeral mass on Tuesday when the pallbearers included former Senior Steward Roddy Ryan, John O’Connor of Ballylinch Stud and Willie Mullins.

John O’Connor said: “We knew each other since we were both 17 and in first year at UCD, and we were good friends ever since. Brendan was a vibrant character, full of energy and with a larger-than-life personality. He was a loyal friend, always there to help when you needed him.

“It was quite shocking to lose him so quickly. Everybody was taken aback. He certainly leaves a big legacy. Brendan put plenty into all that he was involved in and he will be fondly remembered by racegoers all over the country.

“He loved all racing, but especially National Hunt. He would have been a very familiar face to racegoers, regularly travelling to meetings a long way from home. He had a photographic memory for jump racing form and pedigrees.

“Brendan worked a long day and managed to fit everything in. He was a brilliant doctor and ran a very successful practice, like his father and grandfather before him. He was particularly proud that his daughter Stephanie has followed in his footsteps.

“Brendan took great pride in the achievements of all the children that he and his wife Vonnie raised, and he doted on his granddaughter, Annie.”

The AIRO, which closed its office on Tuesday as a mark of respect, paid tribute in a statement which said: “Brendan was a member of the Association’s council for the past 20 years. The Association became somewhat dormant in the early part of the last decade and he was a key figure in the re-organisation that took place in 2005.

“He served as chair for eight years from 2005 and became honorary treasurer when he stood down as chair in 2013. He remained honorary treasurer until the recent annual general meeting when he stood down and was elected to a council position. During all those years he also represented the Association on the National Hunt programmes working group.

“Brendan will be a big loss not only to the AIRO but to racing as a whole. He made a major contribution in working on behalf of racehorse owners and to racing in general.

“We express our deepest sympathy to his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this sad time.”

THE DOC

Known as ‘The Doc’ in racing circles, Doyle enjoyed a reputation for being great company and a prolific storyteller. Delivering the eulogy, his son Brendan said: “We will remember Dad for his generosity, his larger-than-life personality, great storytelling, his intelligence and, above all, his willingness to do anything to help his family, friends and patients.

“He has been taken from us far too soon. The lesson is that life is short and things can change in an instant. Life is for living to the full, pursue whatever you are passionate about, keep the people you love close and, above all, have fun along the way. That is how Dad lived his life. He lived in the present and with a sense of humour.”

He is survived by Vonnie and their children Maria, Brendan and Stephanie. Their daughter Elaine died in infancy.