Noel O'Brien, senior National Hunt handicapper for the Irish Turf Club, has died at age 57 after a long illness. O'Brien, who had worked for the Turf Club since leaving school and was senior handicapper since 1995, was instrumental in setting up the Anglo-Irish Classifications.
“It feels like a like a light has gone out in Irish racing,” said Brian Kavanagh, chief executive of Horse Racing Ireland. “Noel was an absolute gentleman who had time for everyone. He was passionate about what he did and yet he was very popular in what was often a difficult position in which to keep everybody happy. Noel carried out his job with great ease and was a true professional. Everybody respected him. Our deepest sympathy is sent out to his family. He was only 57 but he had been in hospital since June.”
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