Irish Jumps Trainer Dessie Hughes Dies at 71

Dessie Hughes, a leading Irish racehorse trainer who rode Davy Lad to victory in the prestigious Cheltenham Gold Cup in 1977, has died after battling an illness. He was 71.

Hughes began his career as a jockey, and found great success at the Cheltenham Festival - not only with Davy Lad, but also with Monksfield, who he piloted to victory in the 1979 Champion Hurdle.

Hughes also was a successful trainer, winning the Champion Hurdle with Hardy Eustace in 2004 and 2005.

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Hughes is survived by his wife Eileen, son and three-time British champion jockey Richard, and daughter Sandra.

Read more in the Racing Post