Gold Cup-winning trainer and 'thorough gentleman' dies at 86

Francis Flood: an 'outstanding horseman' who won the 1972 Cheltenham Gold Cup with Glencaraig LadyCredit: Patrick McCann

Dermot Weld hailed Francis Flood as an “outstanding horseman and a thorough gentleman” following the death of the Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning trainer at the age of 86 on Tuesday morning.

Flood, who died peacefully at his home in Grangecon, County Wicklow, will be best remembered for sending out star mare Glencaraig Lady to win the 1972 Gold Cup under Frank Berry, who was having his first ride at the Cheltenham Festival.

He also won the 1984 Arkle at Cheltenham with Bobsline and landed the Irish Grand National with Garoupe in 1970 and again in 1993 with Ebony Jane under Charlie Swan.

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David JenningsDeputy Ireland editor

Published on 18 October 2016inNews

Last updated 20:24, 18 October 2016

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