NORTH county Dublin trainer Dave Harvey passed away last weekend at the age of 82.

Harvey held a trainer’s licence for almost 45 years and trained his first winner at Clonmel in 1980 when Athgoe Hill won a maiden hurdle.

He enjoyed good success from a small family-run yard over the years, notably winning the Grade 2 Flyingbolt Novice Chase at Navan in 2003 with Schwartzhalle.

His final winner Jacenry, ridden by his grandson Ben, landed a few tidy bets when winning at Down Royal in March.

Harvey also enjoyed success as a breeder, the Grade 2 International Hurdle winner Brain Power and Over The First, a 13-time winner for Charlie Swan, among the best he bred.

Brain Power also won the American Grand National and his exploits saw Harvey win a Breeder of the Month award from The Irish Field.

Paying tribute to his father, Harvey’s son Daithí said: “Dave was passionate about horses and racing and remained hooked on the sport until the day he died.

“In recent years he took great pride watching his grandsons Ben and Alex progress as jump jockeys and he will be sorely missed around north county Dublin.”