DR John Downey was honoured at Tipperary Racecourse last Sunday for his decades of service to the racecourse.

Originally from Abbeyfeale and now living in Carrick-on-Suir, John began working at Tipperary Races in 2000 and he is also a familiar figure at Thurles and Clonmel tracks, all the local point-to-points, as well as at GAA matches. His son Richie is an IHRB medical officer.

Tipperary Racecourse manager Andrew Hogan said: “We wanted to thank John for everything he has done for us, and for the jockeys. He is an absolute gentleman and everyone in racing has huge regard for him.”

John, whose family were at the races on Sunday, was also presented with the Matty Donovan Award, named after a founding member of the Tipperary Racecourse Supporters Club.