Prominent owner Dr Brendan Doyle dies at the age of 63

Dr Brendan Doyle, outgoing treasurer of the Association of Irish Racehorse Owners (AIRO) and a former chairman of that organisation, has died at the age of 63 having taken ill suddenly at his home in Carlow on Tuesday.

He had been on a life support machine in St Luke’s Hospital Kilkenny and died there on Saturday.

As an owner he enjoyed success with horses trained by his long-time friend Willie Mullins, including Quiscover Fontaine, who won six races in his purple, white and green colours before being sold to J P McManus.

He also owned Major Vernon, who won two bumpers, two hurdle races and a chase; Punting Pete, a triple winner over hurdles; and Kim Fontaine, who won two bumpers and two hurdles.

Mullins said on Saturday: "I knew Brendan since we were teenagers. He had a huge appetite for racing and for racing people and got more fun out of the sport than anyone I've known.

"He enjoyed the actual racing and racing politics and was very knowledgeable, and able to read the form and a race very well. He was a very lucky owner as virtually every horse he owned won.

Willie Mullins: 'Brendan was a very lucky owner as virtually every horse he owned won'Credit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

"He was our family doctor and looked after many injured jockeys in this part of the world very well. He will be greatly missed not only by his family but by his wide circle of friends."

Aiden Burns, manager of AIRO, said: "Brendan was a member of our council for 20 years and was our chairman for eight years up to 2013 when he became honorary treasurer. Our association became dormant and he was a key figure in our reorganisation over the past decade or so.

"He will be a big loss not only to AIRO but to the racing world as a whole. We will miss him greatly as a colleague and as a great friend."

Paying tribute, Joe Foley, owner of Ballyhane Stud in County Carlow and deputy chairman of the Irish EBF, said: "We were very good friends for many years and Brendan’s passing will leave a big hole in our area.

"He was a larger-than-life character with a great personality. Highly intelligent and passionate about his racing, he was a wonderful family doctor and will be sadly missed."

Doyle, who had a large medical practice in Carlow, also served as County Coroner for Carlow. Predeceased by daughter Elaine, he is survived by his son Brendan, daughters Maria and Stephanie and wife Vonnie.

He will be reposing at Healy's Funeral Home. Pollerton Castle, Carlow from 5pm on Monday with prayers at 8pm. The funeral mass will take place in the Cathedral of the Assumption, Carlow at 11am on Tuesday followed by burial in St Mary's cemetery. Family flowers only with donations, if desired, to the Irish Heart Foundation.

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