Dessie Hughes has died, aged 71

Racehorse trainer Dessie Hughes has passed away at the age of 71.

Hughes won the Champion Hurdle as both a jockey and a trainer and will be remembered as one of the true legends of horse racing. He also won the 1977 Cheltenham Gold Cup on Davy Lad. He is survived by his wife Eileen, son Richard (a three-time champion jockey) and daughter Sandra. The outpouring of tributes to Hughes this morning was led by the chief executive of Horse Racing Ireland, Brian Kavanagh.

RIP Dessie Hughes. A great trainer, great jockey and an absolute gentleman. Sympathies to Eileen, Richard & Sandra. pic.twitter.com/UECm9qbAzl — Brian Kavanagh (@bkav2011) November 16, 2014

A master trainer,a great boss and a mentor like no other! RIP Dessie Hughes you will be sadly missed. — Mark Enright (@Markfishenright) November 16, 2014

Very sad news to hear of Dessie Hughes's passing a Legend of our sport and thorough Gentleman all our thoughts are with his Family RIP — BarryJGeraghty (@BarryJGeraghty) November 16, 2014

So sad to hear of passing of Dessie Hughes. We had some great tussles in the past and he was a lovely man. — Jonjo O'Neill (@JonjoONeill) November 16, 2014  

RIP Dessie Hughes. A great trainer, but I also found him a very pleasant & courteous man. pic.twitter.com/GxAIQeL6V4 — Des Cahill (@sportsdes) November 16, 2014