IT was with great sadness that we learned of the death last Friday week of former amateur rider and trainer Willie Patton who was 90.

The Patton family has a long, distinguished and ongoing association with northern racing and point-to-points which resulted in a dynasty of amateur riders.

Before training, Willie was a formidable rider in point-to-points and on the course proper. He rode Nuns Hope, owned and trained by his father, to win in 1947. He was associated with the top-class Khalegs Gift and he trained Downpatrick specialist Jims Choice to win multiple races for owner Peggy Hagan, a former classmate of his who sadly passed away the previous week.

Three members of the extended Patton family won on Jim’s Choice – Willie’s son Robert, his sister Jayne and her husband, John Bright. Eagles Run, another multiple winner for the Larne trainer, provided Robert with his first winner at the age of 16.

However, the ill-fated Southsea Native was by far the classiest horse Patton trained. He won both his bumper and maiden hurdle with Robert in the saddle from his six starts before being fatally injured at Navan in 2000.

Willie was always a regular visitor to his grandson Jonjo Bright who sustained life-changing injuries in a point-to-point fall. He ceased training aged 80 but continued to follow racing while looking after his stock on the home farm. He passed away at his daughter Jayne’s home following a period in hospital.

There was a large attendance at the Service of Thanksgiving for Willie’s life which was held in Magheramorne Presbyterian Church last Sunday.

Sympathy is extended to his his wife Kathleen, son Robert, daughter Jayne and other family members.

R.McK

Due to oversight this obituary was omitted from last week’s edition.