BLOODSTOCK agent and author Don Kelly from Newbridge, Co Kildare, died this week. He was 85.

He began his career in racing with the Curragh Bloodstock Agency before starting his own bloodstock business in the early 1970s. He managed stallions and provided insurance services in addition to buying and selling horses.

Don compiled pedigrees for Goffs, Doncaster and Tattersalls sales catalogues in the days before this process was computerised.

As an owner, he enjoyed great success with Irish Sweeps Hurdle winner Twinburn, trained by Tony Redmond.

Later Don’s son Dermot trained with success on the Curragh - Vitus winning the Ladies Derby in Don’s colours and ridden by Dermot’s wife Rose was a special day.

Don went on to publish the respected form guide Turform and wrote several books on racing including one about the Curragh which was published just a few years ago.

He is survived by his wife Monica, children Dermot and Mary, and three grandchildren.