Owner Peter Deal pays tribute to Sir Terry Wogan
Sunday 31 January 2016 13:55, UK
Prominent racehorse owner Peter Deal has paid tribute to his close friend Sir Terry Wogan after his death from cancer at the age of 77.
Deal, who owned 1997 Champion Hurdle winner Make A Stand, regularly attended race meetings with the Limerick-born broadcaster and even named a Nicky Henderson-trained horse in his honour.
Sir Terry, who died after "a short but brave battle with cancer" and was known for his velvety voice on radio and television, was one of the UK and Ireland's best known stars.
He had a keen interest in racing, owning horses himself with Henderson and fellow Lambourn handler Barry Hills.
Deal said: "Sir Terry didn't actually own the horse, Wogan, but I decided to name him after him as he is by Presenting out of a mare called Fall About, who is by Comedy Star. Sir Terry liked the linkage.
"He followed the horse regularly and always showed an interest. He loved his racing and was an absolute joy as a companion.
"He was a great man to be around, always positive and his private persona was just a lovely as his public persona.
"It's a very sad day as he was a legend in my eyes and a wonderful example of how life should be lived."
Sir Terry, whose career spanned more than four decades, was known for his work on his BBC Radio 2 breakfast show, Children In Need and the Eurovision Song Contest.
Sir Anthony McCoy was among those to express their condolences on social media.
McCoy tweeted: "Very sad news about Sir Terry Wogan, such a nice man. Thoughts are with his wife Helen and family #RIP."
Grand National-winning jockey Mick Fitzgerald, who won a novice hurdle at Newbury on Wogan, said: "Sir Terry Wogan RIP. A gentleman, who made you smile just hearing his voice."
