Former leading amateur rider JT McNamara has died aged 41.
McNamara was paralysed following a fall at the Cheltenham Festival in 2013, when he fractured two vertebrae in his neck when Galaxy Rock came down at the first fence in the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup.
Renowned as one of the best amateur riders the sport has ever seen, McNamara partnered over 600 winners during his career, including famous Cheltenham Festival successes aboard the likes of Teaforthree and Spot Thedifference.
Adrian McGoldrick, senior medical officer for the Irish Turf Club, told Press Association Sport: "I've just spoken to his wife Caroline and I can confirm JT passed away peacefully during the night.
"A press release on behalf of the Turf Club will be released shortly."
McNamara enjoyed many of his big-race successes in the colours of owner JP McManus, riding Rith Dubh to victory in the famous green and gold colours in the 2002 National Hunt Chase at the Festival and partnering Spot Thedifference in the 2005 Cross Country Chase.
He also wore McManus' silks when riding Drombeag to win the 2007 Foxhunter Chase at Cheltenham and the owner's racing manager, Frank Berry, hailed McNamara's fortitude.
He said: "It's so sad and all our thoughts go out to Caroline and the rest of the family.
"A nicer fellow you couldn't wish to meet. He was in great form up until maybe a week ago and he's definitely been a fighter. He fought a great fight.
"The boss and him and myself had so many great days together. He was a great rider, but he also did a lot of pre-training of a lot of our younger horses and was a great man to tell you whether they were good or no good."
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