FORMER jockey Davy Glennon, one of the country’s best-known and most respected racing grooms, died peacefully at home on Tuesday. He was just 49 and had been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.

A long-time member of Dermot Weld’s team, he was entrusted with the care of many top-class horses, including recent Group 1 winners Tarnawa and Tahiyra. After Tahiyra won the Coronation Stakes last year at Royal Ascot, he received his trophy from King Charles III.

Last Sunday, surrounded by family, he watched Tahiyra’s half-sister Tarima win at Leopardstown and his beloved Offaly footballers win a League title.

A former council member of the Irish Stablestaff Association, he won the In The Saddle Award at the Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards in 2021. He worked in Germany, England and Dubai before joining the Rosewell House team.

In his eulogy, Gary Glennon described his brother as determined, a hard worker who loved to socialise and dance when not on duty. He had a great sense of humour, and was full of love, especially for his niece and nephews. He handled his illness with dignity and courage and never complained. Earlier this year Davy raised over €2,700 for the local hospice.

“He had the biggest heart of anyone we have ever known,” Gary said. “His last wish was to spend his last days in his beautiful home, surrounded by family and friends, pain-free. We sat on the couch and watched the filly win and Offaly win. He stuck his two thumbs up in the air. That was Davy. Two thumbs up. ‘All good’.”

Davy Glennon is survived by his parents Alo and Mary, and brothers Gary, Michael and Robert.

Dermot Weld said: “David was a great character, he loved his horses, gave them confidence and took great pride in the care of them. He will be sadly missed by all at Rosewell and all that knew him. I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to his family from myself and everyone at Rosewell.”