Death of Classic-winning breeder Dillon

Jeremiah Dillon of Newborough Stud in Country Limerick - breeder of Nocturnal Spree, winner of the 1,000 Guineas in 1975 - has died peacefully.

Trained by Stuart Murless for owner Anne-Hart O'Kelly, Nocturnal Spree also finished fourth in the Irish equivalent.

Dillon also bred the 1981 Prix Saint-Alary scorer Tootens out of Night Attire.

Moonsilk, a half-sister to Nocturnal Spree and Tootens, was a successful broodmare and produced Moonax - the champion three-year-old stayer in 1994 after winning the St Leger and Prix Royal-Oak - and Darsalam, a top-flight winner in Germany.

"Jeremiah was a lovely man and a great supporter of ours," said trainer Fozzy Stack. "We shared great success with the likes of Antinnaz and Aine (who both descend from Tootens). He was a complete gentleman and a person we'll miss greatly."

Dillon is survived by his sisters Sheila and Moira.