Iconic Irish jockey JT McNamara passed away overnight at the age of 41, three years on from his fall from Galaxy Rock at Cheltenham.
The Limerick amateur jockey, who amassed over 600 victories in his career, was one of the most popular figures in the Irish and UK racing scene, and had four career wins at Cheltenham - the most recent of which arrived on 5-1 favourite Teaforthree back in 2012.
Naturally, tributes to the great man have flooded in on social media from figures involved in racing and beyond, as Irish sport bids farewell to one of its finest characters.
"It's a very sad day for everyone," said AP McCoy on RTÉ's Today With Seán O'Rourke.
"I said that he's a remarkable man. He was a little bit like myself at times - he could be grumpy enough! But he was very good humoured and such a good rider as well."
McCoy praised McNamara's wife Caroline for her courage in dealing with his injury, describing the day he found out about McNamara's fall as "something I'll never forget."
On social media, the horse racing world echoed McCoy's sentiments.
JT McNamara. An inspiration to us all. #rip
— Matt Chapman (@MCYeeehaaa) July 26, 2016
Our thoughts are with the friends & family of JT McNamara this morning after the news that he has sadly passed away pic.twitter.com/VnHGGKdgQj
— Ascot Racecourse (@Ascot) July 26, 2016
We are saddened to hear of the death of JT McNamara. Our thoughts are with his wife Caroline, his children and all who knew him.
— CheltenhamRacecourse (@CheltenhamRaces) July 26, 2016
This plaque sits above where JT sat in the weighing room, celebrating his 16 Cheltenham winners. #KingOfTheBanks pic.twitter.com/09DWmcqRXI
— CheltenhamRacecourse (@CheltenhamRaces) July 26, 2016
So sad to hear of the death of JT Mcnamara at the age of 41. He was one of the toughest men i have ever met and one of the finest horseman!
— Derek ‘tommo’ Thompson (@tommoracing) July 26, 2016
Very sad to hear of the passing of 41 year old JT McNamara, a true great of the Irish racing scene.#JTMcNamara #Rip
— Mark Robinson (@robboma24) July 26, 2016
Incredibly sad to hear of the passing of JT McNamara. Thoughts are with his family and friends. https://t.co/QZw0QWAPWM
— Sam Twiston-Davies (@samtwiston) July 26, 2016
Just when you think everything is going against you something comes along to bring it all into perspective. RIP JT McNamara.
— Charlie Fellowes (@FellowesRacing) July 26, 2016
If anyone is unsure as to just how good a horseman JT McNamara was, watch his ride on Rith Dubh at the 2002 Festival. It was perfect. RIPJT
— Oli Bell (@olibellracing) July 26, 2016
Morning all. Thoughts & prayers are with family & friends of JT McNamara who sadly passed away. A sad, sad day. RIP pic.twitter.com/41GvZdLohN
— BoyleSports (@BoyleSports) July 26, 2016
JT McNamara wasn't someone I knew personally but someone I had huge admiration for both in the saddle and his courage later in life. #RIPJT
— Ben Pauling Racing (@benpauling1) July 26, 2016
Other sporting personalities gave their thoughts on the loss of McNamara, who leaves behind his aformentioned wife Caroline along with three children - Dylan, Harry and Olivia.
Sad Day in Horse Racing,National Hunt Jockey JT McNamara dies at the age of 41
R.I.P— Mick Quinn (@mickquinn1089) July 26, 2016
Rip JT McNamara
— Charlie Austin (@chazaustin10) July 26, 2016
A great jockey. A truly brave man. https://t.co/DaG0ROI2Gw
— Paul Kimmage (@PaulKimmage) July 26, 2016
JT McNamara RIP
— Peter Reid 💙 (@reid6peter) July 26, 2016
Tragic news about #JTMcNamara may he rest in peace.
— Reggie Corrigan (@reggiecorrigan1) July 26, 2016
Back in July 2013, four months after McNamara's fall at Cheltenham, Bruce Springsteen dedicated the song 'My Hometown' to McNamara during his set at Thomond Park. A mutual friend - believed to be trainer Enda Bolger (who appeared on stage with him at the RDS in 2012) - apparently told 'The Boss' about JT's battle with injury.
