PETER Daly, former jockey and trainer and lifelong racing enthusiast, died on September 6th, aged 75, after a long illness.

A native of Kanturk, Peter inherited his racing genes from his mother’s side, for she was born a Gomez in Alston, Croom. Three of her brothers, Peter, John and Frank were jockeys.

Peter rode Conversation Piece to win the 1938 Irish Oaks. Frank emigrated to America, becoming a successful trainer in Calder Park, Florida, where Peter Daly spent some time with his uncle.

Apprenticed to Curragh trainer Stuart Murless from 1965, Peter was always going to be a jump jockey. Moving on to Paddy Mullins for a lengthy spell, Peter rode a feature winner at a Punchestown Festival, on the outsider of Paddy’s quartet, as the trainer assured him he would.

Moving to a Tullamore trainer who had yet to saddle a winner, Peter arrived at the same time as Daletta. Later that week John Harty rode Daletta to victory in the Amberwave Chase at Fairyhouse. Before the month was out they had followed up in the Embassy Premier Chase Final at Haydock Park.

As entries for the Cheltenham Gold Cup had long closed, Peter suggested the Irish Grand National, even if it was over a mile further than Daletta had ever even run. Given a masterly ride by John, Daletta triumphed.

When he went out to his well-earned summer break, he had been ridden by two people since his arrival – Peter Daly and John Harty.

As a jockey Peter scored twice at Wexford on Maam Cross.

Becoming a trainer in his own right in 1982, Peter got off in style when saddling Caherdaniel to land a hat-trick. The following year Triggorero supplemented Caherdaniel with three wins, one at Peter’s beloved Listowel. A stint in Scotland saw Peter ride his final winner in colours, in a race at Catterick confined to licensed trainers.

Peter Daly is survived by his brother John, sisters Christine and Helen, and his partner of more than 25 years, Joan. May he rest in peace.

G.W.