IN the early hours of Tuesday in University of Kentucky Hospice, Andre Lynch passed away peacefully, safe in the love and comfort of his adoring mother, Eileen.

He was just 52 and had been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer in November.

Originally from Thurles, Andre got his first job in racing with trainer Pat Doyle in Holycross. He also worked at Grange Stud in Fermoy and completed the Irish National Stud Thoroughbred Breeding Course. He then worked for Pat O’Kelly at Kilcarn Stud before moving to Coolmore America, where he spent 21 years. In 2017 he was appointed manager of Doug and Felicia Branham’s Hurricane Hills Farm.

He is survived by his daughters Emma (8) and Catherine (4).

A GoFundMe page set up by Lesley Campion has raised over $430,000. On Tuesday, Campion posted on social media: “Well Andre is gone on ahead this morning at 4:30am. He went on safe in the knowledge he had MANY MANY pals who loved him & that his girls have that help in their lives. That comfort was afforded to him by ALL OF YOU who showed up for him and I CANNOT THANK YOU ENOUGH for it.”

His funeral service took place yesterday (Friday) at the Lexington Cemetery and was followed by a celebration of his life at the Thoroughbred Club.