THIS was a year in which Irish racing bid farewell to a pair of truly outstanding figures in J.T. McNamara and Francis Flood.

In July McNamara passed away at the age of 41, three and a half years after a fall at Cheltenham left him paralysed from the neck down. The multitude of heartfelt tributes that marked his passing is testament to his standing in the racing world. In an age where superlatives are used all too frequently McNamara was unquestionably a legendary figure and a hero.

One of the finest horsemen to have graced the amateur ranks, his winning effort on Rith Dubh at Cheltenham in 2002 was a ride for the ages. Equally the courage with which he faced his terrible injury made him a truly inspirational figure and the sport is so much the poorer for his passing.

BOBSLINE

Francis Flood passed on in October at the age of 86 following the most distinguished of careers. Easily one of the greatest amateur riders produced by this country, he was one of Irish jump racing’s most enduring figures. A seven-time amateur champion between 1957 and 1966, he trained Glencarrig Lady to win the Gold Cup in 1972 while the spectacle served up the Flood-trained Bobsline and Noddys Ride in the 1982 is one with few equals. Flood’s talents both in and out of the saddle were matched only by his longevity.

MOUSE MORRIS

A look back at 2016 cannot pass without reference to Mouse Morris and Rule The World whose victory in the Crabbie’s Grand National in April was captivating and poignant in equal measure.

Morris, who tragically lost his son Christopher the previous summer, enjoyed an amazing end to the season as Rogue Angel bagged a famous Irish Grand National triumph just 12 days before Rule The World and a dashing David Mullins claimed that never to be forgotten victory in the Liverpool spectacular.

One of Ireland’s most respected trainers for over 30 years, Morris enjoyed a simply amazing end to the season at both Fairyhouse and Aintree and seldom, if ever, will there be as emotional or popular victory as that achieved by Rule The World. A horse who twice fractured his pelvis, Rule The World became the first horse since 1884 to make the National his first win over fences.

Just 16 months after a fall at Wexford left him paralysed from the wait down, Robbie McNamara made a striking start to his training career with a double at Cork on a Friday evening in July. This wasn’t the most high profile of fixtures but this was still a landmark evening as the steely determination and resolve which McNamara has shown since his injury was rewarded in some style.

It is to be hoped that we will hear much more from the young trainer in the coming seasons.