Tom Foley (racehorse trainer)
Thomas C. Foley (1946 – 24 February 2021) was an Irish racehorse trainer.
| Tom Foley | |
|---|---|
| Full name | Thomas C. Foley |
| Occupation | Trainer |
| Born | 1946 Bagenalstown, County Carlow, Ireland |
| Died | (aged 74) Bagenalstown, County Carlow, Ireland |
| Major racing wins | |
| Sun Alliance Novices' Hurdle (1994) Irish Gold Cup (1997) | |
| Significant horses | |
| Danoli, Royal Paradise, Moon Man, The Subbie, Go Now, Dariak, Dancing Hero | |
Career
Based at Bagenalstown, County Carlow, Foley switched from farming to training after buying an Irish draught horse, later building his own stables. His first winner was at Tramore in January 1988 when Rua Batric won a handicap hurdle at 6–1. He was involved in the training of Danoli, a horse that became popular during the 1990s and earned the nickname "the People's Champion". In 1994, the Foley-trained Danoli won the Sun Alliance Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, while further success followed with victory at the Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown in 1997.[1]
He played once as a half-back at minor level for the Carlow county football team, scoring two points.[2]
Death
Foley died of cancer on 24 February 2021.[3]
References
- Robson, Nick (24 February 2021). "Danoli trainer Tom Foley passes away, aged 74". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 25 February 2021.
- "Late Tom Foley once played for Carlow". Hogan Stand. 26 February 2021.
- Jennings, David (24 February 2021). "Danoli trainer Tom Foley dies at the age of 74 after battle with cancer". Racing Post. Retrieved 25 February 2021.