THE funeral service for former flat jockey and breeze-up rider Valdi de Souza took place yesterday (Friday) and his remains will be taken home to Brazil for burial.

Aged 49, de Souza lost his life following a freak accident at Grove Stud in Fermoy, where he worked with Brendan and Vanessa Holland for the past 11 years.

One of six brothers working in Irish racing, de Souza rode approximately 200 winners in Brazil before moving to Ireland. He rode two listed race winners here at Cork and the Curragh.

A grieving Brendan Holland said: “It was a privilege to work with someone like Valdi who cared so much about his horses and the people around him. We take a small bit of comfort in learning that Valdi donated his vital organs to Cork University Hospital and we believe this has been life-saving for others.”

On social media, French sales company Arqana said: “We had the privilege of watching him gallop horses on Deauville racetrack for years and would like to extend our thoughts and deepest condolences to his loved ones.”

Anna Calder of Leamore Horses in Co Wexford described de Souza as “a top class horseman and a gentleman”.

He is survived by brothers Fagner, Jair, Fernando, Adriano, Ramone and Ray.