Former jockey, 39, dies in hospital days after ‘being hit by his brother in one-punch assault’ following funeral
A former jockey has died in hospital aged 39 after ‘being hit by his brother in a one-punch assault’ following a funeral in Northern Ireland.
Paddy Donaghy, who starred in British Flat racing from 2005 to 2014, died on Sunday in hospital after an alleged assault six days earlier east of Belfast.
The alleged assault happened at an address in Newtownards, a town ten miles east of Belfast, after the brothers returned from attending a funeral that day.
Police announced an investigation into Paddy’s death six days after the incident at the address. His older brother, Joseph Donaghy, appeared at Newtownards Magistrates’ Court last week charged with causing grievous bodily harm relating to the incident.
The court heard there had been a ‘physical altercation’ between the brothers after they’d returned from a funeral that day, with the victim’s legal team describing the proceedings as a ‘one-punch case’.
The defence lawyer added: ‘I have been asked by the defendant to say he is absolutely grief-stricken by what has unravelled.’
Flat jockey Patrick Donaghy has died aged 39 after being involved in a ‘one-punch assault’
Paddy starred in British Flat racing from 2005 to 2014, amassing 63 winners over his career
His last ride was at Wolverhampton in October 2014
The case was adjourned to September 23.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said in a statement: ‘Detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a man aged in his thirties.
‘The man died in hospital on Sunday, September 13, following an incident at a house in Stratheden Heights, Newtownards, on Monday, September 7. There are no further details at this time.’
Paddy Donaghy partnered over 60 winners over his jockey career, which saw him ride for trainers including Pat Haslam and Jedd O’Keeffe.
His last ride was at Wolverhampton in October 2014 and the last of his 63 winners was on a horse named Hamble at Lingfield in June that year.
Paddy also rode in Bahrain, where he was a much loved member of the racing community.
His best year was 2008, when he claimed a seasonal best of 18 and won his highest prize-money haul of £87,810.
On Tuesday, Paddy’s cousin, Gerard, paid tribute to him, writing on social media: ‘My heart aches in a way I can’t really put into words.’
A death notice for the former horse jockey published on Funeral Times also read: ‘Peacefully in hospital. Late of Stratheden Heights, Newtownards.
‘Dearly loved son of John and Sarah Donaghy. Much loved brother of Joseph, Brona and her husband Simon and Sarah.
‘A loving and devoted father of Lennon, a dear uncle to his many nieces and nephews. RIP.’
