Death of Arkle jockey

LIAM McLoughlin of Ratoath, Co Meath, who has died at the age of 75, had the distinction of riding legendary steeplechaser Arkle to his first victory in Navan in January, 1962.

The future superstar went off an unconsidered 20/1 outsider in the three-mile Bective Novice Hurdle and stormed to a surprise success with the favourite and Tom Dreaper trained stable companion Kerforo well beaten.

Kerforo was partnered that day by Pat Taaffe, who was in the saddle for all of Arkle’s big race triumphs.