Horse racing legend Lady Chryss O’Reilly, wife of Lions rugby icon, dies aged 73
RACING legend Lady Chryss O'Reilly has died at the age of 73.
A world famous owner-breeder, Lady O'Reilly was the owner of Haras de la Louviere in Normandy, France.
Lady O'Reilly bred a pair of Group 2 winners as recently as last weekend and was present at the sales last week too.
Witch Hunter landed the Hungerford on Saturday at Newbury, while Vespertilio was an effortless winner of the Debutante at the Curragh.
Lady O'Reilly was married to businessman and Lions rugby icon Sir Anthony O'Reilly, with the flying winger regarded as one of the greatest rugby players ever.
As well as her highly successful breeding operation, Lady O'Reilly also landed Group 1 glory as an owner.
Her black and white hooped silks with a blue cap will be familiar to plenty of racing fans, with Rebelline and Voleuse De Coeurs both winning at the top level.
She also had success as an owner on British shores with the likes of Sovereign Debt and Moss Vale, both trained by Dandy Nicholls.
Lady O'Reilly also supported the likes of Kevin Prendergast, Dermot Weld and Eddie Lynam in Ireland.
Lynam trained Soffia to Group 2 glory in her silks and told : “She was a very kind woman.
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"I was fortunate to have trained for her for 15 years, maybe more, and she was a pleasure to train for as she was very knowledgeable.
"She will be sadly missed in racing throughout the world, never mind here, where we were very fond of her. She used to come and visit and she was great fun."
Many paid tribute to Lady O'Reilly on social media. Amy Lynam said on Twitter: "Lady O’Reilly will be missed by many for her class, loyalty, kindness, knowledge & love of horses.
"Comforting to know she spent her last days doing what she loved. May she rest in peace."
While another said: "So sad and shocking, one of the great ladies of our time. Condolences to all who knew and loved her."