Jockey
Born: April 8, 1975;
Died: July 26, 2016
JOHN Thomas McNamara, known as JT, who has died aged 41, was a talented amateur jockey whose outstanding career was ended when he was paralysed in a fall at the Cheltenham Festival in 2013.
A skilled trainer as well as rider, McNamara was highly regarded by contemporaries in the weighing room and his wins - in all, he rode more than 600 winners during his time as a jockey - were more than many professionals.
His accident, in a fall at the first fence in the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Chase for amateur riders on March 14 2013, was said to have come as he was contemplating retirement.
He was 37 at the time and spent about 15 months in various hospitals after the fall from Galaxy Rock, including Bristol's Frenchay, Southport and in Dublin before being allowed to return home to Limerick where he required round the clock care.
Immobile from the neck down, he was helped by two carers around the clock, but it is understood he had suffered complications in recent days and spent time in hospital before returning home to Springfield Stables, where he died.
During his career, he built up an impressive record at Cheltenham with 16 wins overall at the track including four at the festival on board Rith Dubh in the 2002 National Hunt Chase; Spot Thedifference in the 2005 cross-country chase; Drombeag in the 2007 Foxhunter Chase; and Teaforthree in the 2012 National Hunt Chase. Spot Thedifference, Rith Dubh and Drombeag were among many horses McNamara steered to big-race success for the owner JP McManus.
AP McCoy, the 20-time champion jockey, recalled being in the weighing room in Cheltenham when news of McNamara’s accident emerged.
"I remember looking over and seeing his clothes hanging up and thinking he'll never be back in here, and that's not something I'll ever forget," said McCoy. "It's a very sad day for everyone in racing, especially his wife Caroline - she's a very tough and amazing woman.
"He was a remarkable man. He was a little bit like me - he could be grumpy enough at times but was very good-humoured. He was fantastic, a brilliant rider. Watching his ride on Rith Dubh at the Cheltenham Festival was as good as you'll ever see."
While living in a converted bungalow in County Limerick, McNamara spoke about his determination to remain positive. "Of course there have been low days and the worst were when I was in hospital in Dublin because they gave me no hope,” he said. “That just made me more determined and I said to myself this is not going to get me beat. I'll show 'em.”
Frankie Ward, regional secretary of point-to-points in Limerick, knew JT from a young age and followed his career from ponies to racecourses. "He was a hero, there's no doubt about it. He was a legend in his own lifetime even though it was a short one," she said.
Ms Ward said McNamara had undoubtedly left his mark on the racing world. "His colleagues at Galway today will be devastated but let's celebrate his wonderful life because that's what we should be doing," she said.
JT McNamara is survived by his wife Caroline and children Dylan, Harry and Olivia.
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