Michael Jarvis dies

Jarvis, whose many successes included the 1989 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe with Carroll House, passed away on Tuesday afternoon.

His ill health forced him to retire in February and he handed over the reins at his Kremlin House stable to assistant Roger Varian, who described his mentor as "a true gentleman".

"It's a terribly sad day," Varian said. "Michael passed away this afternoon having lost his battle against cancer.

"His achievements and racing exploits go without saying, but first and foremost he was a wonderful man, a true gentleman and I imagine a great husband, a great father and a good friend to many. That was Michael Jarvis.

"He happened to be a great racehorse trainer as well, but first and foremost he was just a wonderful man. He won many big races, but probably put up the bravest fight of his life against cancer. He battled hard and he saw it out as long as he possibly could."

Mick Kinane, who rode Carroll House to victory in the Irish Champion Stakes as well as the Arc, said: "It's very sad news. He was a lovely man to ride for and a lovely man to know. He was a thorough gentleman and such a lovely man. It's so unfortunate that he didn't get to enjoy his retirement.

"Carroll House got me off to a great start. I'd have to say he got me on to the international stage in winning an Irish Champion Stakes and then going on to win an Arc. He was my big breakthrough horse, so he'll always have a high place in my book."

The sad news comes a day after the passing of another legendary trainer, Donald 'Ginger' McCain.