John McNamara

John Thomas "JT" McNamara (8 April 1975 – 26 July 2016) was an Irish amateur steeplechase jockey. He won over 600 racecourse victories during his career. He sustained a serious back injury and a broken neck after a fall at the 2013 Cheltenham Festival which left him paralysed and using a wheelchair. Biography Career In a glittering amateur career, McNamara rode over 600 point-to-point winners, breaking Enda Bolger's career record in 2006 before himself being overhauled by current record holder, Derek O'Connor some years later. Under rules, he carried home almost every major prize restricted to amateurs as well as many others open to professionals after forming a hugely successful partnership with the Bolger yard. In his native Ireland, McNamara was ever-present at the National Hunt Festival at Punchestown for the duration of his career. His haul included five La Touche Cups (2010 L'Ami, 2007, 2004 Spot Thedifference, 2005 Good Step, 2002 Risk Of Thunder), three Ladies Cups (2011, Outlaw Pete, 2006 Abrams Bridge, 2003 Buailtes and Fadas), three Bishopscourt Cups (2004, 2003 Ever Onward, 1998 Master Julian), two Champion Hunters' Chases (2012, 2010 On The Fringe) and the Grade 1 Champion NH Flat Race (2001, Like-A-Butterfly, run at Leopardstown).