Graham Ireland, a former top Brisbane jockey and later steward, has died aged 75.

Ireland rode hundreds of winners during a 30-year career in the saddle before retiring in the early 1980s.

The best horse he was associated with was top miler Beau Cera who campaigned during the 1970s winning several feature races including the Queensland Guineas.

He later became a steward and was chief stipe on the Sunshine Coast for many years.

RQ head steward Alan Reardon said Ireland, who fought a long battle with cancer after retiring in 2011, had been a great servant of racing.

“He was very popular because he cared for all levels of people in the sport,” Reardon said.

Racing Queensland’s acting head of stewarding and integrity Jamie Dart also paid tribute to Ireland.

“Graham’s long battle with cancer has ended, however, his racing legacy will live on,” Dart said.

“Graham will be remembered by the industry as a magnificent contributor to the sport of racing in Queensland having competed at the highest level as a jockey before becoming an outstanding and much admired part of the Queensland stewards panel.”

Graham is survived by his wife Wilma, his children and grandchildren.

Article from JustHorseRacing.com.au