Major Edward Cecil Doyle was born in Ireland on July 11, 1886.
'Paddy' Doyle - an officer in the R. A. V. C. - was a leading amateur rider of the twenties.
He finished third in the 1925 Grand National on Fly Mask, and was informed by the stewards that he must turn professional.
He won the Foxhunters' twice on Fairy Hill ll (1923 & 1924).
His career was over almost before it had begun when a bad fall ended his days in the saddle.
Paddy spent three years training (1926-1929) before becoming a vet in Naas, Ireland. He rode his first winner on Cindrally, trained by Percy Woodland, in the Ely Handicap Chase at Cardiff on October 23, 1924.
He died in Dublin on October 6, 1954, aged 68, leaving £7,203.
Article courtesy Chas Hammond