Trainer Andy Irvine to have first runner following death of wife Zoe Davison

Andy Irvine, whose wife Zoe Davison died on Sunday following a long battle with cancer, sends out the first runner in his name when Dream Du Grand Val contests the concluding handicap hurdle at Kempton on Saturday.

Davison died at home at Shovelstrode Racing Stables, near East Grinstead, just over an hour after Mr Jack had completed an emotion-charged Plumpton double, scene of numerous good days for the yard.

Irvine said: “Zoe and I worked really hard over the last 20 years to build up such a strong team here.

“We’ve got got great owners and nice horses, and have to get them out. Everyone is sad at the moment but we’ve the rest of the season to think about.”

Racing community mourns the loss of trainer Zoe Davison aged 60

Dream Du Grand Val, a new recruit to the stable, won at Kelso and Fontwell in 2019 for Nicky Henderson and is reported to retain plenty of ability.

“He’s a bit quirky but is a nice stamp of a horse who will jump a fence in due course,” Irvine said. “He’s definitely got an engine. James Bowen knows him well from his time at Nicky’s, so we’re pleased to have got him to ride.”

Irvine has also made entries for the meetings at Plumpton and Leicester on Wednesday. While, stable stalwart Finnegan’s Garden, who won ten races for Davison over fences, is on course for a handicap chase at Lingfield later this month.

Read more:

'A fabulous trainer' – racing remembers Zoe Davison on social media

'What Zoe didn't know about horses wasn't worth knowing' – Simon Clare's tribute

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