Ruby Walsh: Farewell Andrew McNamara, a gentleman of the racing world

Andrew McNamara was a man I was lucky enough to have ridden winners for, but the trainer was only a part of who the man was, writes Ruby Walsh

Trainer Andrew McNamara was laid to rest on Friday. Picture: Healy Racing

Yesterday afternoon a gentleman of the racing world was laid to rest in the grounds of Manister church. Andrew McNamara was a man I was lucky enough to have ridden winners for, but the trainer was only a part of who the man was.

My association with him professionally ended when his sons, Andrew and Robert, were old enough to do the job. Still, I only ever rode what his nephew John Thomas couldn’t ride before them anyway. Blood is thicker than water, and Andrew senior was proud of the three men he helped so much.