'A great trainer and person' - tributes paid after death of John Hassett aged 85

Tributes have been paid to Cheltenham Festival-winning trainer John Hassett after his death at the age of 85.

Hassett memorably sent out Generosa to land the 1999 Stakis Casinos Final at Cheltenham, a day before the talented mare was only touched off by half a length in the Coral Cup under a 7lb penalty.

Also a respected veterinary surgeon and breeder, Hassett's last success under rules came at Tipperary in May 2017, while Lough Ferrib's valuable Listowel festival strike in 2012 was one of his most prominent winners in recent years.

On the Flat, the Clare-based handler also won the Rockingham Handicap twice in three years when saddling Baby Brew (1979), ridden by Joanna Morgan, and Naomi Joy (1981), ridden by David Parnell, to land the lucrative prize.

Back On Top was another notable flagbearer, winning the Grade 3 Murphys Irish Stout Limited Handicap Hurdle at Killarney in 1999 and the valuable Pat Taaffe Handicap Chase at the 2003 Punchestown festival.

Generosa: registered memorable Cheltenham success under Norman WilliamsonCredit: Caroline Norris (racingpost.com/photos)

Norman Williamson, who steered Generosa to Cheltenham Festival success in the colours of his future parents-in-law Timmy and Trish Hyde, said on Tuesday: "John was a fantastic person and one of the cleverest rogues you could ever meet. It was an absolute pleasure to be in his company at any time. A brilliant man to tell stories, a great person and an outstanding trainer.

"There was never a moment when you were in John's company and didn't come away some bit wiser. You could only have good things to say about him."

Williamson added: "I had been speaking with him up until the last year. He was a lovely man, extremely intelligent and great company. My thoughts are with his family."

Fairyhouse manager Peter Roe tweeted: "Sorry to hear of the passing of John Hassett, one of the gentlemen of Irish racing. He was ultra shrewd and a great family man. Deepest sympathy to his family and wide circle of friends."

Leading Flat rider Chris Hayes added: "A great man, a great character and privileged to have got to spend time in his company."

Predeceased by his son Paddy and his sister Mary, Hassett passed away peacefully at University Hospital Limerick in the care of his family.

He is survived by wife Eileen and children Margaret, Mary, Eileen, Una and Johnny, the latter well known across Britain and Ireland as a popular breeze-up consignor.

Hassett will repose at his home, Ballyhannon House, on Tuesday from 4pm to 7pm before a requiem mass on Wednesday at noon in St Mary’s Church, Quin. His burial takes place after mass at Kildrum Cemetery.

Hassett's funeral mass can be viewed through the Parish of Quin-Clooney-Maghera website, while messages of sympathy to his family can be left on RIP.ie, or sent via email to info@murphysfuneralhome.ie.