Tributes to Michael OsborneMichael Osborne, the hugely popular former senior steward of the Turf Club who sadly died on Wednesday night, has been described as being "probably the best known Irish bloodstock person around the world".

The tribute came from his friend, the champion trainer John Oxx, and was one of many paid yesterday to a man whose influence touched many lives within the racing industry and beyond.

Osborne (71) had been ill for some months and passed away on Wednesday leaving many racing people stunned at the news.

"He has left us at a comparatively young age and it is a great shock. But he achieved so much in his life and when he was with us he lived life to the full," John Oxx said yesterday.

"All the great achievements of his busy life will be reported widely now that he has died but for me I will remember how he was always working for people. His door was always open if there was a problem or if someone needed help.

"That's why in my view he is probably the best known Irish bloodstock person around the world. Everywhere you went there were people he had helped and who still remembered the man for that help.

"There were students from the time he was in charge of the Irish National Stud, or people from all the committees he sat on all over the world. If you were ever with him for any length of time outside Ireland there were always people rushing up to say hello to him.

"Michael was a very even-tempered calm man which is probably why he took on so many things. He also had a great sense of humour and he will be greatly missed," Oxx added.

Sheikh Mohammed, who picked Osborne to establish his breeding empire and also to establish international racing in Dubai, expressed his sadness at the news.

"Michael was a wonderful man. We had great times together and our thoughts are with his family. He was a hugely influential figure in world racing," he said.

"Michael had enormous enthusiasm - for horses, for Ireland and for Dubai.

Nearly 20 years ago he was the one who bought Kildangan Stud for me. He really loved the farm and it is fitting he is going to be laid to rest at Kildangan cemetery," he added.

Osborne was a former senior steward of the Turf Club and the present holder of that position, Pierce Molony, also paid tribute to his former colleague.

"Michael was a most esteemed member of the Turf Club and we were proud of him as chairman of the Curragh committee and as Ireland's ambassador on the international racing stage.

"Our heartfelt sympathies go to his family at this most difficult time," he said.

Michael Osborne was also a former chairman of Goffs and a spokesman for the sales company yesterday said he had a "huge impact" on the Irish bloodstock industry.

"He covered almost every aspect from the sales side to the Turf Club to managing Kildangan Stud and the National Stud," said chief executive Matt Mitchell. "Michael was always a very approachable man, very pleasant and always sought to help people."

The Horse Racing Ireland chief executive Brian Kavanagh said: "Over four decades he occupied every significant role in the racing and breeding industries and set new standards of excellence in every position he held."

Michael Osborne's funeral mass will be held at 11am today in St Brigid's Church, Kildare. He will be buried afterwards in Kildangan Stud cemetery.