The death has taken place of England-based former National Hunt jockey David Sunderland, (76), who grew up on the family farm at Aske, on the outskirts of Gorey, to become a jockey in Britain at the age of 16.

Sunderland learned his trade as a young teenager with dual Aintree Grand National winning jockey, Arthur Thompson, who retired and set up a training establishment at Kilcloran, Camolin. He rode his first winner on April 27^th, 1963 on Dulmain Bridge at Market Rasen, rode a modest career total of 59 winners, and retired from the saddle in 1979.

Sunderland struck up a close association with the Courage family and had his most important success on Lictor in their famous maroon and gold colours at Aintree in the 1976 Topham Trophy over the famous Grand National fences. 

After the end of his riding career, he was closely involved with the point-to-point scene and acted as valet for several future champions.

FAMILY NOTICE; The death has taken place of David, Godkin, Sunderland of Brackley England, on Sunday December 15th, 2019. Formerly of Aske Gorey Co. Wexford. Beloved husband of Patricia (Pat) loving father of Simon, sadly missed by his daughter-in-law Sandra and grandson James, Brother of Sidney, Daphne, and the late Erick, Tony, George, Francis, Desmond and Geoffrey. Service in Banbury England on Thursday, January 9^th, 2020 at 1 pm. “May he rest in Peace”