Tributes paid after tragic death of ‘amazing’ horse whisperer
Eleanor Moore, 45, from Killeens, Crosshaven, in Co Cork, died after the freak weekend accident.
A popular and well-respected figure in Irish and British equestrian circles, she was taking part in a ladies race at a meet in Ballincollig on Sunday afternoon, organised by the Horse and Pony Race Association, when tragedy struck.
And in a bitter twist of fate, she had told friends beforehand that it would probably be her last time competing in this particular race which she had won four times previously.
Onlookers said the horse she was riding — owned by Billy Kelleher from Carrigtwohill — was doing well when she appeared to slump forward in the saddle before falling.
Her long-term partner, Ivor Kingston, also an accomplished horseman, was at the meet but it is understood he did not see Eleanor fall.
He only became aware of the incident when he saw the riderless horse on the track.
Ms Moore suffered severe head and neck injuries and was rushed by ambulance to Cork University Hospital where she was pronounced dead.
A postmortem was carried out and an inquest is expected to be held in the coming months to establish the exact cause of death.
Her friend, pre-trainer Tom Busteed, said she was devoted to Ivor, to her job, and to her animals.
“She lived for racing. She couldn’t wait to finish work early to go and watch the Galway Races,” he said.
“Herself and Ivor were locked together, they went everywhere together, they were devoted to each other for close to 20 years.
“She was always a very friendly girl and very helpful. If someone wanted to use their premises for a gallop, they were always hospitable, always there for you.”
He said Ms Moore was highly respected in Britain as a “horse whisperer”.
“She got a lot of horses from the UK who had lost their way. She was amazing at sweetening them up for racing again.”
One of Ms Moore’s proudest moments was when her horse, Viaduct, who won six point to point titles, ran in the Fox Hunters chase in Cheltenham.
“They had success with many others but Viaduct was their pride and joy. He was very close to their hearts,” Mr Busteed said.
Ms Moore also won numerous prizes for having the best turned out horse.
Charlie Farrelly, the spokesperson for the Horse and Pony Race Association, said all officers, members and fellow jockeys extended their deepest sympathies to Ivor and Eleanor’s family on the “tragic and untimely loss of a wonderful and caring person”.
“May the lush green sward she often raced across lay gently on her soul,” he said.
Ms Moore is survived by her mother Anne and her brothers David and John.
Hundreds attended the removal from Forde’s funeral home in Carrigaline to St Brigid’s Church in Crosshaven last night.
Her remains will be buried in Templebreedy cemetery following requiem Mass at noon today.
