DUBLIN, Ireland (AFP) — JT McNamara, one of Ireland’s leading amateur jump racing jockeys until he was paralysed in a fall three years ago, has died aged 41, it was announced on Tuesday last.

McNamara, who clocked four wins at jump racing’s most prestigious meeting, the Cheltenham Festival, died in his sleep.

“I’ve just spoken to his wife Caroline and I can confirm JT passed away peacefully during the night,” said Adrian McGoldrick, senior medical officer for the Irish Turf Club, which is responsible for horse racing in Ireland.

McNamara, whose cousin Robbie was also left seriously injured after a fall last year, fractured vertebrae in his spine following his fall from

Galaxy Rock in the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup at the 2013 Cheltenham Festival. He was due to retire later that year.

The racing world set up a fund to help him, with among others Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary, one of jump racing’s biggest and most successful owners contributing 200,000 euros in 2013 (US$256,000 at the time).

Indeed, the first thing riding legend AP McCoy did after retiring from the saddle in April last year was to fly to Ireland to visit JT, who had 16 winners at Cheltenham in all, and Robbie.

McCoy admitted after hearing of his death that he was inconsolable.

“I would hate for him to be looking down on me at this moment in time because I’ve done nothing but cry all morning,” he told the BBC.

“He was every bit as experienced as me and talented as I am and he had a fall.”

Even rock legend Bruce “The Boss” Springsteen was moved when performing at a concert in McNamara’s birthplace of Limerick to dedicate the song “My Hometown” to him.

Among the many tributes was one from former riding great and now leading trainer Jonjo O’Neill, who successfully battled cancer.

“We’re devastated at Jackdaws (his stables) to hear of the passing of JT, the greatest horseman I’ve ever known. Our thoughts are with Caroline and his family,” tweeted O’Neill.