IT was with great sadness his very many friends learnt of the passing of Marshall Fleming on Thursday of last week.

Thomas James Marshall Fleming from Galgorm, Ballymena had spent his life in public service and was a stalwart of local racing and point-to-points.

A lifelong association with the Mid Antrim Hunt saw him over decades assume various roles from clerk of the course to starter, a role he was enlisted also to undertake at the Iveagh point-to-point in Moira.

Marshall loved his racing and his biggest thrill was to see the Ted Walsh-trained Jack High win the Troytown Chase in 2004 prior to claiming the Betfred Gold Cup at Sandown the following year for his great friend, Brenda Ross.

Marshall and Brenda were always about horses and usually shared an interest in a point-to-pointer each season purely for the love of the sport, the fun and the people they would meet in muddy fields.

Although not an accomplished rider, he enjoyed immensely a hack and trot up back lanes on a quite cob and his passion for equines saw him always available to help out at other hunts’ fixtures if they were in need of a fence steward or if another role needed to be filled on the day.

Marshall lived life to the full but was always there for a friend or a friend of a friend. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him as a kind and caring individual.

Condolences are extended to his wife Wendy, brother Bobby, sister Anne and the large extended family.

Marshall’s funeral service took place on Saturday at Ballee Cemetery and, while no flowers were requested, donations may be made in lieu to the Injured Jockeys Fund c/o Logans Funeral Services, 12 The Diamond, Ahoghill BT42 1JZ.

RMcK