TRAINER Peter Casey passed away in the early hours of Saturday morning in Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda. He was 82.

Based in Stamullen, Co Meath, he is best known for his handling of Flemenstar, winner of three Grade 1 chases in 2012.

Andrew Lynch, regular rider of Flemenstar, said: "We had some unbelievable days together, not just with Flemenstar, but there were one or two others as well.

"I remember riding a hurdles winner for him, just a moderate race, and he wasn't there that day, but he rang me up and was over the moon, even though it was just an ordinary race. He was one of the good ones.

"He was a great character and a very good man. He was an easy trainer to ride for and a very good trainer as well."

Flemenstar won the Irish Arkle in 2012, with Casey became something of an internet sensation following his subsequent interview with RTE presenter Tracy Piggott, which featured some colourful language regarding his celebration plans and went viral.

Flemenstar went on to win the John Durkan Chase at Punchestown in December 2012 but owner Stephen Curran decided to send his star to Tony Martin for the 2013-'14 season and he ended his career in the care of the owner's son, Anthony.

A close friend of Tattersalls chairman Edmond Mahony, Casey also bred horses for the flat and jumps, including 2009 Scottish National winner Hello Bud, also a dual winner of the Becher Chase at Aintree.

He is survived by his wife Junie, to whom he was married for over 55 years, and their children Francis, Peter, Oliver and Alison.

The following death notice is taken from RIP.ie

The death has occurred of Peter CASEY

The Palace, Rath, Stamullen, Meath

Suddenly in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, surrounded by his loving family. Predeceased by his daughter Mary and granddaughter Emily. Sadly missed by his loving wife Junie, daughter Alison, sons Francis, Peter and Oliver, grandchildren Samantha, Sam, Cian, Marianne, Caitlin, Kyle and Max, sister Mary, son-in-law Calum, daughters-in-law Paula and Una, sister-in-law Marie, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Reposing at his home on Tuesday from 2pm-8pm. Removal on Wednesday to Church of Assumption, Balscadden, arriving for Funeral Mass at 12 noon. Burial afterwards in Old School Cemetery, Balscadden.

House strictly private on Wednesday. Family flowers only. Donations in lieu to The Irish Lung Foundation and Irish Lung Fibrosis Association.