'He was a top fella with a very bright future' - Denis Hogan pays tribute to Hugh Mulryan after sudden death

The racing industry is in mourning as news emerged of the sudden death of Hugh Mulryan just before the 25-year-old was about to embark on a new chapter of his career with Adrian Keatley's Ryedale yard in North Yorkshire.

A well-known figure in racing and bloodstock circles and son of owner-breeder Liam Mulryan, whose red and yellow silks are a familiar sight on the track under both codes in Ireland and Britain, he was a native of Oranmore, County Galway and spent time working with trainers Denis Hogan and Sir Mark Prescott, as well as Baroda Stud in Kildare.

He had travelled to Britain in anticipation of starting a new role at Keatley's yard before his death.

Hogan paid tribute to Mulryan, who he said had fitted in everywhere as he made his way in the industry and was set for a "very bright future".

He said: "Hugh's dad Liam has had horses with me for more than ten years and the whole family are good friends of mine. Hugh came down to me one summer when he was 15 and worked with us a lot over the years. 

"He branched out to stud work, spent time with Baroda, went to France and gained experience in plenty of places. Most recently he spent a year with Mark Prescott [in Newmarket].

"He was just about to start with Adrian Keatley. It's a big shock to the lads here. He was a top fella with a very bright future. He studied law in between horses, was very sharp and had bought a few winners for me lately. 

"He was very keen on racing. He could have done anything he wanted, but was just so keen on horses. It's just very sad for Liam and his wife Christina, and all the family. It's hard to believe.

"Hugh just fitted in everywhere and made friends anywhere he went. He could fall into any company anywhere in the world. He'll be sorely missed and is a big loss."