RUBY WALSH described legendary trainer and former rider Dessie Hughes as an "absolute gentleman" following his death yesterday, aged 71.

Hughes enjoyed huge success in both spheres, riding Monksfield to win the Champion Hurdle in 1979 and also saddling Hardy Eustace to victory in the Cheltenham Festival highlight in 2004 and 2005.

Hughes, who had been battling illness, is survived by his wife Eileen, son and three-time champion Flat jockey Richard and daughter Sandra.

Top Irish rider Walsh said: "Dessie Hughes was an absolute gentleman and I suppose he was one of the last old-school Irish jockeys come trainers.

"He was a very good trainer with horses like Hardy Eustace and many great horses, but he was an absolute gentleman and a brilliant family man.

"All our thoughts are with Eileen, Richard, Sandra and all the rest of the family.

"Dessie Hughes will be a sad loss to everybody. He was a hugely popular guy. He will be at the foremost of everyone's thoughts. It's very sad."

Britain's perennial champion jockey Tony McCoy tweeted: "Very sad to hear the passing of Dessie Hughes, great jockey & trainer and a very proud dad, my thoughts are with Eileen, Sandra and Richard. RIP."

Conor O'Dwyer, who rode Hardy Eustace in both his Champion Hurdle triumphs, said: "There's gentlemen and then there was Dessie Hughes. I've ridden for many good people during my career, but Dessie really stood out as a proper gentleman.

"We had some brilliant times together, some of the best times of my career. No one ever had a bad word to say about Dessie, and Dessie never had a bad word to say about anyone.

"He'd had some hard times, but he'd come through and seemed to be enjoying the best of his career. It's a sad day for everyone and for racing."