Francis Flood dies aged 86 Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning trainer Francis Flood has died at the age of 86, his son, Francis jnr, announced. He died peacefully at his home at Grangecon, in County Wicklow, on Tuesday morning. His son told Press Association Sport: "He was a great man to me, a great man to the family and a great man to racing." He went on: "He passed away peacefully at 4am this morning. "He loved racing all the way through to the end. From riding to training, he was always up for it and absolutely loved the game. "I haven't switched the training licence or anything like that just yet, but I plan to keep the yard going. "He will be sadly missed by us all." He is survived by his wife Teresa, sons Tom, Francis jnr and Kevin and daughters Brid and Mary. As well as taking the blue riband of jump racing with Glencaraig Lady in 1972, Flood also won the Arkle Trophy Chase at the Cheltenham Festival with Bobsline in 1984. He twice won the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse with Garoupe in 1970 and Ebony Jane in 1993.
