Johnny Alexander

JOHNNY Alexander of Milford and Tassagart Studs near Leighlinbridge, Co Carlow, died on Wednesday. He was in his 90th year. Milford Stud was founded in 1947 by his parents Major John and Pug Alexander.

At its height Milford Stud was a prominent stallion farm and sales consignor. Influential stallion Red God once stood at Milford and also at Loughtown Stud in Donadea, Co Kildare, which Johnny managed for 20 years on behalf of American owner Warren Tremaine.

Husband of Chloe, Johnny died suddenly but peacefully amongst friends at his beloved summer residence in Kerry. Reposing at Milford House on Monday (July 24th) from 6pm concluding with prayers at 8.30pm. Funeral service on Tuesday (July 25th) at 2.30pm in Cloydagh Church, Carlow. Burial afterwards in the adjoining churchyard.

Remembering J.T.

THE first anniversary mass for the late John Thomas McNamara will be celebrated tomorrow (Sunday) at 11.30am in Manister Church, Croom, Co Limerick. Aged 41, the rider passed away a year ago following three difficult years for him and his family since his paralysing fall at Cheltenham in 2013.

August Sale

THERE are 671 lots catalogued for the Tattersalls Ireland August National Hunt Sale, which takes place on August 16th-17th. The catalogue is available online and hard copies will be issued on Monday. All lots catalogued are eligible for the €100,000 Tattersalls Ireland George Mernagh Memorial Sales Bumper 2018.

Ribchester win

ANDREW Thompson and Mike O’Brien have won the Connolly’s Red Mills The Irish Field Breeder of the Month competition for June.

The Tipperary friends bred Ribchester, winner of the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot and currently the fourth highest-rated flat horse in the world.

Handler injured

RACING at Haydock was abandoned after three races yesterday following a serious injury to a stalls handler who was taken to hospital by air ambulance.