Popular owner Louis 'Tony' Phillips passed away on Tuesday night at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) after a short illness. He was 67.

One of the first commissioners of the Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC) when it came on stream in 1973, Phillips had vast experience in racing.

At one time, he was the owner of 10 horses, including ALL FIRED UP, DANCING FLAME, MOST WANTED, PHANTOM J, DOCTOR ON CALL, THUNDERCLAP and MITAKA, who he still owned at the time of his death.

A noted businessman, Phillips was a former vice-president of the Jamaica Racehorse Owners' Association and a member of the Jockey Club of Jamaica.

In the political arena, he failed in his bid against Douglas Vaz to become member of parliament for North Central St Andrew in the 1976 general election, but prior to that won the Grants Pen/Waterloo division of the KSAC and served as councillor for a number of years.

Stroke

Phillips, who recovered from a stroke in 1990, was hospitalised with another stroke two weeks ago. He left the UHWI last Friday morning and told a close friend to leave his Track & Pools at home as he was going after the massive Pick-9.

According to reports, Phillips suffered another stroke on Friday night and was rushed to the UHWI Hospital once again. He subsequently went into a coma and died on Tuesday night.

In paying tribute to Phillips on Wednesday, CTL's executive manager for marketing, Millicent Lynch said, "He will definitely be missed. Louis was always present at Caymanas Park and was very supportive of any programme put in place.

"He truly loved the sport, having served as an administrator in the very first racing commission. CTL extends condolences to his family, other relatives and friends. May his soul rest in peace."

Phillips is survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter.

- O.C.