Doyen of greyhound racing Michael Fortune dies aged 70

Michael Fortune, the leading journalist and broadcaster who was the Racing Post’s Irish greyhound racing correspondent since the paper was founded in 1986, died on Monday aged 70 after complications following recent heart surgery.

Fortune built an immediate rapport with greyhound fans in both Ireland and Britain, reporting on all of the top races and leading the way on many of the major news stories.

Leading Irish trainer Paul Hennessy said: "You could fill an entire edition of the Racing Post with stories about Michael Fortune and his genuine passion for greyhounds and greyhound people. I’ve known him for 40 years and can’t think of anyone who has had a greater, more positive influence on the game. He promoted it properly but with a sense of fun too. The party after his Cool Survivor won the Oaks has become legendary. He was an absolute gentleman, this is a massive loss."

Shelbourne Park on Irish Derby Final nightCredit: Steve Nash

Racing Post editor-in-chief Alan Byrne said: "I first met Michael in the early 1980s when he was one of the outstanding talents in the sports department at the Irish Press. What shone through then and throughout his career was his passion. His knowledge was immense and his contacts book second to none - people were always happy to talk to him because they respected him so much. Michael was never short of opinions and never afraid to voice them either. We were fortunate to have those opinions aired within the pages of the Racing Post for so long."

The sport’s leaders on either side of the Irish Sea expressed their sorrow and praised Fortune's contribution.

Frank Nyhan, chairman of the Irish Greyhound Board, said: "Michael represented the heart of the Irish greyhound industry. His knowledge of each individual greyhound, trainer and all associated with the industry was unparalleled. Michael loved the sport and committed himself totally to it. Greyhound racing and the wider industry has lost a true friend."

Mark Bird, managing director of the Greyhound Board of Great Britain, added: "Michael was an iconic voice in greyhound racing for over half a century and the reaction to his sad passing throughout Great Britain and Ireland highlights the overwhelming impact he has had on our sport.

"He treated every race as though it was a Derby final, captivating audiences with his enthusiasm and passion. He will be remembered as a true champion for our sport."

Nottingham: staged the 2019 Greyhound DerbyCredit: Steve Nash

Fortune is survived by his wife Rita and children Ian and Michelle.

Ian worked with his father for several years and Michael, who worked for RTE, as well as commentating at Shelbourne, was particularly proud when his son was asked by Nottingham to commentate at the track on the night of this year’s Derby final at the end of last month.

His funeral mass is on Thursday at 11am in the church of St. Jude the Apostle, Willington, Dublin 6W. Family flowers only please. Donations, if desired, to the Irish Heart Foundation.