Further Tragedy for Irish Racing Struggling to come to terms with the loss of riders, Kieran Kelly and Sean Cleary, the industry in this country has been further rocked today with news of the death of leading apprentice, Timmy Houlihan.The 3Ib claimer, attached to the yard of James Burns was tragically found dead near his home last night. A native of Killorglin, Co.Kerry, Houlihan had ridden nine winners this season and had his final ride at Leopardstown on Saturday last.Little Whisper for Con Collins at Down Royal on September 27th was the final winner he partnered in a career that appeared set to continue to flourish. A Guinness Gold Cup on the Paddy Mullins-trained Bob What at Tralee in 1999 and a McDonagh Handicap victory aboard the Burns-trained Vinthea in 2002 were obvious highlights.
