Famed horse dealer and producer of Cheltenham Gold Cup winners Tom Costello passed away at his home in Co Clare during Saturday night, at the age of 78.

Costello was a well known producer of point to point winners and sold numerous top class jumpers over a career which spanned five decades. The Co Clare native's most notable achievement as a trainer was when his Tartan Ace won the 1973 Irish Grand National, under the late Jackie Cullen.

Costello's eye for potential stars saw him pass The Thinker (Cheltenham Gold Cup winner in 1987), Cool Ground ('92), Imperial Call ('96), Cool Dawn ('98), Best Mate (2002,3,4) and Champion Chase winner One Man through his hands.

Tom Costello is survived by his wife Josephine and five sons John, Tom, Adrian, Dermot and Tony.en she pulled up quickly down the back straight."

"We'll now take a chance and run Grace O'Malley in the Oaks at The Curragh ? she is entitled to run there."