PADDY MCMAHON

THE former European champion showjumper has died aged 87.

Paddy, who enjoyed huge success and popularity at the height of his career, died suddenly and peacefully, in the company of his children Patricia, Elizabeth and Peter, on Easter Sunday (4 April).

Paddy and Penwood Forge Mill dominated the sport in the 1970s, including winning, in one six-day period in 1973, individual gold at the European Championships at Hickstead, and the Horse & Hound Cup and the King George V Gold Cup at the Royal International Horse Show.

The combination enjoyed success in grands prix and Nations Cups across the world.

His granddaughter Laura Lane said: “He was a grandfather and great-grandfather, a brother and loyal friend to many. As a family we are super-proud of what he achieved. He was a legend, a gentleman, professional and inspirational. Horses were his life.”

Frank Waters, author of The Golden Age of Show Jumping, said Paddy had been a friend for over 55 years.

“It hurts to have lost such a wonderful person,” he said.

“Paddy was the kindest, sweetest, most giving and humble man anyone could have the honour of knowing. In all those years I never heard a bad thing said about him; he was always the ultimate gentleman and so humble. My thoughts are with his family, friends and all his adoring fans. I could not have been happier and more proud when he agreed to write the foreword in my book with Harvey Smith.

“Paddy is no doubt riding his great horse Penwood Forge Mill around the streets of heaven and having a wonderful reunion with many showjumping stars and greats of the past. A true and amazing legend of the golden age of showjumping.”

A Hickstead spokesman added: “We send heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. Thank you for the memories.”