JOHN Horgan, owner of dual classic winner Tirol, died on December 28th and was laid to rest in Cork on New Year’s Eve.

A renowned cattle exporter and builder, Horgan bought Tirol for 52,000gns as a yearling through agent Peter Doyle. The colt was trained by Richard Hannon to win the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket in 1990 under Michael Kinane. Pat Eddery was on board when the horse doubled up at the Curragh.

The achievement was all the more remarkable as it came just three years after Horgan’s brother Jim pulled off the same classic double with Don’t Forget Me, also trained by Hannon.

Tirol (by Thatching) was retired to Coolmore Stud and his best progeny were the Group 1 winners Tarascon and Miss Tahiti. He ended his career at stud in India.

Horgan named a Cork city housing development Tirol Avenue in memory of the horse.

In later years Horgan acted as a raceday steward.

Predeceased by his daughter Lisa, John Horgan is survived by his wife Liz and four children.