JOHN Enright, who passed away last Friday, October 1st, was a natural horseman.

He started on ponies and, during school holidays, rode out for his neighbour, P.P. Hogan. He was apprenticed to Charlie Chute from 1961 to 1966 and rode his first winner in July 1962 at the Curragh.

In the late 1960s John joined the powerful racing yard of W.A. Stephenson in Bishop Auckland, Co Durham. He rode the winners of numerous big races for W.A. during his time there, including the Topham Trophy, the Weatherby Chase, the John Eustace Smith Trophy Chase, the Welsh Champion Novice Chase, the Northumbria Handicap Chase and the Castleford Chase. He received a performance award for riding four winners on the same day for W.A. at Newcastle in May 1971.

John rode 153 winners before his racing career was curtailed by a serious eye injury.

He then settled in Middleham, North Yorkshire, where he worked in a local factory and rode out in his spare time for David Moorehead, Harry Wharton and Mark Johnston.

John returned home with his family to Ballylanders, Co Limerick in the early 1990s, where he continued working with horses undertaking general stud work and sales prep.

He was a great family man, terrific company and a top-class jockey. He will be greatly missed by those of us who had the pleasure of knowing him.

John is survived by his wife Janis, sons John and Anthony, daughters Angela and Kathryn, brother, sisters and grandchildren.

May he rest in peace.

D.C.