A punter to the end, Britain's oldest racing fan Ralph Hoare has died aged 110

British racing has lost its oldest fan following the death aged 110 of regular punter Ralph Hoare, who 11 months ago enjoyed one of the final highlights of his incredibly long life when making a belated return to the Cheltenham Festival.

Hoare passed away on January 29 in his Gloucester home, from where he travelled last year to be a guest of Cheltenham racecourse on Gold Cup day.

Prior to that excursion Hoare was visited by the Racing Post for an interview, in which he recalled the outbreak of the First World War and a dramatic evening during the conflict.

Ralph Hoare had a number of birthday cards sent to him by the QueenCredit: Edward Whitaker

Hoare said: "My grandparents and aunts always had a glass of ale for supper. Aunty Bessie used to take a jug to the local pub and get it filled. She came back from one of those trips crying her eyes out. I asked her what was the matter? 'Terrible news,' she said. 'Kitchener has drowned. Worse than that, I've dropped the jug and we haven't got any ale for supper.' I've told that story more than once."

Hoare, who turned 110 on July 19, told many other stories, including memories of 1945 Derby winner Dante, seeing Prince Monolulu at Goodwood and being at Cheltenham for Arkle's three Gold Cups. He was also an avid Saturday ten pence punter with a particular fondness for horses trained by John Gosden.

Ralph's daughter Kate Hughes said: "My father died peacefully in his sleep. He was compos mentis and interested in sport until the end. His last words to my brother were: 'What was the Plymouth Argyle score on Saturday?'"

Ralph Hoare with daughter Kate Hughes at his Gloucester homeCredit: Edward Whitaker

Recalling his grand day out to see Native River's Gold Cup triumph, she added: "I would say it was the most exciting and eventful day of his year. He was up at 8am and didn't flag all day. At 11pm I had to suggest he might like to go to bed. He was tired the next day though!

"The paparazzi were in touch the whole journey there to make sure they caught the moment of arrival and, with a bit of help, his knees stood up to the test of mounting the steps for his grandstand view of the finishing line. He enjoyed the sound of the Cheltenham roar once again and backed three winners and two second places, coming away with about £3.50 profit.

"Throughout the day he was asked to pose for photos, but the most memorable one was with Jack Kennedy, the youngest jockey on the course – their handshake spanned the 91 years between them."

Ralph's funeral will take place on Wednesday, February 27, at 1pm, at St Catharine's Church, Gloucester. Donations are welcomed in aid of Railway Children (www.railwaychildren.org.uk), a charity helping street children in India, East Africa and the UK.

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