THE death occurred yesterday morning of Captain Louis Magee, he was 74. He was senior National Hunt handicapper until his retirement in 1986. He was elected a member of the INHS Committee in 1987 and of the Turf Club two years ago. He was commissioned in the Irish Army and was one of its leading equestrian riders. In 1959 he was appointed a National Hunt handicapper, a position he held with distinction for many years and indeed was the instigator of the double handicap, made necessary by the dominance of Arkle. He also improved the Irish NH weight forage scale.

Since his retirement Louis Magee was appointed an acting steward at Leopardstown, Punchestown and Fairy house. He officiated at the Leopardstown Christmas meeting but shortly after that became ill. A man of great charm and courtesy he will be sadly missed by his many friends in the sport he loved and served so well.