Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board security team member Willie Buckley has died after falling ill at Dundalk on Friday evening. Buckley collapsed in the winner's enclosure after the second race and was taken to hospital, after which the decision was taken to call off the remainder of the card, which was to include the Listed Patton S. for 3-year-olds and the return of Aidan O'Brien's Group 1-placed filly I Can Fly (GB) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) in a conditions race. Those races will now be run on Wednesday evening at Dundalk with original entries standing and fresh declarations to be made by Tuesday.
Denis Egan, chief executive of the IHRB, said in a statement on Saturday morning, “It is with deep regret and profound sadness that the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board can confirm the passing of our esteemed colleague Willie Buckley. Willie was a valued member of the IHRB Security Team for 11 years and was on duty at Dundalk racecourse last evening when taken ill.
“The IHRB offer sincere condolences to his partner Kathleen, son Tony and daughter Sinead and their families, friends and colleagues at this time.”
Buckley's brother, Seamus, was clerk of the course at Goodwood for over 20 years before his retirement in 2017, while nephew Kevin Buckley is Coolmore's UK representative.
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
