Trainer of the renowned racehorse Danoli Tom Foley has died at the age of 74.
Based at Bagenalstown, Co Carlow, Foley was instrumental in the success of a horse which gained popularity in Ireland during the 1990s.
In 1994, Danoli triumphed in the Sun Alliance Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham under Foley's stewardship.
Further success would follow with victory at the 1997 Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown, while wins also came in the Red Mills Trial Hurdle at Gowran Park and the Denny Gold Medal Chase in 1996.
His most recent winner was Rebel Gold in the Beginners Chase on 28 January at Gowran Park on Thyestes day.
So sorry to hear of the passing of local trainer Tom Foley - a great friend to Gowran Park. He and Danilo gave us our largest ever attendance at the track on @REDMILLSHorse Day 1996. Our thoughts are with his family and many friends. RIP pic.twitter.com/eJ8owOMcbV
— Gowran Park (@GowranPark1) February 24, 2021
Willie Mullins paid tribute to Foley, describing him as a "gentleman".
"He was a gentleman, the salt of the earth. He knew how to train a good horse when he got one. The combination of Danoli, (owner) Dan O'Neill and Tom was an extremely popular one and the day he won at Cheltenham will live long in the memory," he told the Racing Post.
