David Aykroyd, an early investor in Coolmore syndicates and latterly the joint-breeder of top-class performers Pride of Arras and Amiloc, has died aged 89. His funeral is set to take place at 2 p.m. local time Nov. 2 at St Mary's Church, Nun Monkton, England.
Aykroyd, an officer in the Coldstream Guards, spent most of his life in that North Yorkshire village as a farmer and entrepreneur. His interest in racing stretched back many decades and he owned Lucaya, trained by Bill Elsey to win the 1966 Cheshire Oaks.
Aykroyd's marriage to his first wife, Huldean, made him the brother-in-law of Tom Cooper, founder of the BBA Ireland bloodstock agency, who was married to her sister, Valerie.
Together, they invested in a number of early syndicates with Vincent O'Brien along with the likes of Robert Sangster and Simon Fraser. The best horse he was involved in was Thatch, the winner of the St James's Palace Stakes (G2), July Cup (G2), and Sussex Stakes (G1) in 1973.
After meeting renowned United States breeders Helen Groves and her daughter, Helen Alexander, Aykroyd was involved in breeding and racing the brilliant 2-year-old Althea, a rare female winner of the Arkansas Derby (G1) in 1984.
Aykroyd left the racing industry for a long period until his marriage to his second wife, Lavinia, prompted the racing interest to return. With the help of Cooper's son, bloodstock agent Patrick, they bought foals and broodmares to establish a small band.
They included Kitty O'Shea, granddam of group 2 winner Pride of Arras, and Colima, who produced group 2 winner Amiloc.
Aykroyd leaves behind three daughters from his first marriage—Susan, Emily and Matilda—and numerous grandchildren. A son, Nicholas, predeceased him.
