One of Ireland's greatest ever amateur riders, Bunny Cox, has died at the age of 81. He had been ill for some time. Cox, whose real name was John Richard, but who was known as Bunny, also forged a successful career as a trainer when taking out a licence in 1970 and his winners included the 1994 Ladbroke Hurdle at Leopardstown with Atone.

Other good horses through his hands were Highway View and Fort Fox. However, Cox's greatest triumphs were as an amateur jockey. He was champion in that sphere in 1944-45-52-56 and was also joint-champion in 1958.

He rode four winners at the Cheltenham Festival including the 1954 National Hunt Chase on the subsequent Grand National winner Quare Times, trained by Vincent O'Brien. Cox also won the 1958 Cathcart on Quita Que (a horse he was twice runner-up on in the Champion Hurdle) and doubled up on the same horse when winning the Queen Mother Champion Chase 12 months later. Remarkably he rode his first winner when just 13 years old.

Bunny Cox's funeral will take place at the Green Church in Dundalk at 1.00 tomorrow.