Danoli trainer, Carlow man Tom Foley has passed away at the age of 74 following a battle with cancer.
The Bagenalstown based trainer brought the legendary horse to famous victories in the 1990s winning 17 races including the 1997 Hennessy Gold Cup in Leopardstown and the Sun Alliance Novices’ Hurdle under Charlie Swan in Cheltenham.
Tom’s last winner was at his local track in Gowran Park when Rebel Gold won the beginners’ chase at Thyestes Day a few weeks ago.
He is survived by his wife Goretti, daughters Sharon, Adrienne, and Goretti, and son Patrick.
Champion trainer Willie Mullins has been paying tribute to fellow trainer, Tom, he said what he was able to do with horses from a small yard was incredible.
“He had huge ability and probably never got to fully (show it), well I suppose Danoli advertised the ability that he had when he got a good horse he was able to train them to their full ability,” said Willie.
“It’s a huge achievement for a small yard to win an Irish gold cup, to win in Cheltenham with him, all the things that Tom did were huge coming from a very small yard”
Manager at Gowran Park Eddie Scally described him as a “gentleman”.
So sorry to hear of the passing of local trainer Tom Foley – a great friend to Gowran Park. He and Danilo gave us our largest ever attendance at the track on @REDMILLSHorse Day 1996. Our thoughts are with his family and many friends. RIP pic.twitter.com/eJ8owOMcbV
— Gowran Park (@GowranPark1) February 24, 2021