obituary

Geoff Turnbull MBE, who with his wife Sandra raced horses of the calibre of Group 1 winners Mondialiste (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and Lord Glitters (Fr) (Whipper), has passed away after a short illness, Elwick Stud announced in a statement via Twitter on Thursday. The proprietor of Elwick Stud in County Durham was 74. The statement read, "Elwick Stud is deeply saddened by the passing of our much loved CEO Geoff Turnbull MBE after a short battle with illness. Black armbands will be worn during racing today as a mark of...

Dual Irish highweight and three-time Group 1 winner Gordon Lord Byron (Ire) (Byron {GB}-Boa Estrela {Ire}, by Intikhab) died during routine exercise on the gallops on Tuesday morning. The gelding was 12. Bred by Roland Alder, owned by Morgan Cahalan and trained by Tom Hogan, the racecourse veteran claimed the 2012 G1 Qatar Prix de la Foret, 2013 G1 Betfred Sprint Cup at Haydock and took the 2014 G1 George Ryder S. Down Under during his 108-start career. He was named the Highweighted Older Horse in Ireland from five to...

Joe Crowley, one of the most popular and respected as well as one of the most significant figures in Irish racing in recent decades, has passed away at the age of 91. He enjoyed notable success as both trainer and breeder, while further glory has been brought to his farm at Owning Hill near Piltown in Co. Kilkenny at various times by his daughters Annemarie and Frances, by his son-in-law Aidan O'Brien and, currently, by his grandson Joseph O'Brien. Joe Crowley began life as a farmer but his love of...

Breeder, consignor and Dromoland Farm owner Gerry Dilger passed away very early Wednesday morning. The 61-year-old had been hospitalized in the ICU since suffering from cardiac arrest Feb. 24, confirmed Dilger's longtime friend and business partner Mike Ryan. "We were best friends for over 40 years," Ryan said. "It is quite sudden and a big shock to us all. He was a very, very kind man and did so much for so many people. He would give you the shirt off his back. Gerry took tremendous personal pride in bringing...

Bruce Johnstone, who transitioned from a trainer to management at the New York Racing Association, the last 13 years of which he spent as Manager of Racing Operations, died Thursday following a lengthy battle with cancer. He was 76. "Bruce was a true horseman who used the lessons of a lifetime to make all of us better in so many big and small ways," said NYRA CEO and President Dave O'Rourke. "He was a man of impeccable integrity who was a beloved member of the thoroughbred racing community here in...

Dual English highweighted stayer Bollin Eric (GB) (Shaamit {Ire}--Bollin Zola {Ire}, by Alzao), who won the 2002 G1 St Leger, has died at Colmer Stud in Dorset on Jan. 18, the Racing Post reported on Sunday. He was 21. Bred by the late Sir Neil and Lady Westbrook, the February foal raced for his breeders and trainer Tim Easterby. In addition to his Classic triumph, the bay also saluted in the G3 Lonsdale S. and was placed a further five times at group level. A half-brother to Group 3 victress...