Large turnout for Newmarket funeral of Classic-winning trainer Mick Ryan

St Mary’s Church in Newmarket was full with nearly 400 mourners for the funeral of Mick Ryan on Wednesday when broadcaster Mike Cattermole led tributes to the former Classic-winning trainer, who died last month at the age of 80.

Ryan won more than 700 races at home and abroad during nearly 40 years as a licence holder and enjoyed his finest year in 1984 when winning the Irish 1,000 Guineas at the Curragh and the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot with Katies.

Philip and Gill Robinson at St Mary's ChurchCredit: David Milnes

The filly’s jockey Philip Robinson and owner Terry Ramsden were among the standing-room only turnout, which included retired riders Jason Weaver, Bruce Raymond, Allan Mackay, Richard Hills, Simon Pearce, Emma O’Gorman and Kirsty Milczarek.

The local current training fraternity were also out in force and included Ryan’s neighbours Sir Mark Prescott and Chris Dwyer, as well as Michael Bell, Sean Woods, Marco Botti, George Margarson, Conrad Allen and John Berry. Ex-trainers present included Alan Bailey, Bill O’Gorman, Paul d’Arcy and Dave Morris.

Jason and Fiona Weaver arrive at St Mary's ChurchCredit: David Milnes

The funeral service was conducted by the Reverend John Hardy and the reflection and prayers were read by the Reverend Jeremy Lind.

One of Newmarket's finest characters, Ryan was well remembered by Sky Sports broadcaster and commentator Cattermole in his tribute.

He said: "There’s no doubt that Newmarket, and indeed the whole of the racing world, has lost an enormous character. John told me his dad didn’t like funerals very much and didn’t even want to go to his own!"

He recalled: "To be in MJ Ryan’s company was never, ever dull. Two things that struck me about Mick were firstly how widely he was regarded as an astute horseman and trainer, and secondly his sharp and ready wit which made him determined to be as entertaining as he could be."

Sir Mark Prescott arrives for Mick Ryan's funeral

Cattermole told one tale of high jinks in Holland where Ryan was a regular visitor and won all of the Dutch Classics over the years.

He said: Philip Robinson turned up one evening in a hotel in The Hague just before last orders and after the bar staff had cleared off Mick, with pint in hand, said to him ‘You’re just in time for the race’.

"Philip didn’t know what race he meant until Mick promptly smashed the fire alarm. Among the chaos, down the stairs comes a panic stricken gentleman to whom Mick hands the pint and says 'Congratulations, you’re the winner!'.

Ryan, who leaves a widow Anne, son and current trainer John, daughter Sarah and grandson Jack, was buried in a family plot at Newmarket cemetery.

Afterwards, there was a gathering for refreshments and reminiscences at the Heath Court Hotel in Newmarket, one of Ryan’s regular haunts, where his great friend Dave 'Shippy' Ellis read his own tribute.

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