Peadar Matthews, Classic-winning jockey who caused shock on Alleged, dies at 85

Classic-winning jockey Peadar Matthews, who linked up with two of the greatest trainers of the 20th century to record the most important victories of his career, has died at the age of 85.

Matthews triumphed on 40-1 chance Arctic Vale for Paddy Prendergast in the 1962 Irish St Leger. The following year he won the Irish 2,000 Guineas for the stable on Linacre, also sent off at 40-1.

In 1977 Matthews was associated with another shock winner, this time for Vincent O'Brien who supplied three of the seven runners in the Royal Whip at the Curragh. Lester Piggott was on Valinsky, who brought a strong reputation from his juvenile career, Tommy Murphy rode Meneval, and Matthews was on 33-1 outsider Alleged.

O'Brien recalled later: "Valinsky struck the front as they came into the straight and looked as if he was going to win easily. Then Alleged cruised up to him and beat him quite comfortably."

A year later Piggott won the same race on Alleged at odds of 1-7.

If the brilliant dual Arc winner was the best horse ridden by Matthews, his most productive association was with the Mick Hurley-trained filly After The Show on whom he won the Athasi Stakes, Gallinule Stakes and Pretty Polly Stakes in 1957.

His big handicap wins included Portail Rouge for Aubrey Brabazon in the Leopardstown November Handicap in 1963.

Matthews took up training after his retirement from riding. He was a highly popular figure on the Curragh, and it was an occasion of great joy when he recorded a cherished Pattern success, saddling Quintiliani, the 16-1 outsider of four and ridden by John Egan, to upset the odds-on Ridgewood Ben in the Group 3 Tetrarch Stakes at the Curragh in 1994.

His best horse over jumps was Fishin Joella, with whom he won bumpers on her first two starts at Leopardstown and Gowran Park in January 1996. He also trained the mare to win over hurdles before she joined Noel Meade.

Matthews, predeceased by his wife Maura last November, is survived by sons Peter and Derek, and daughters Marie, Paula, Caroline, Suzanne and Christine.

There will be a private family funeral on Monday, with removal to arrive at the Carmelite Church, Kildare town, for requiem mass at 10am. Burial afterwards in St Conleth's Cemetery, Kildare town.