Tributes pour in as legendary Irish trainer Prendergast dies at the age of 92
Tributes have poured in from the racing world after the sad news broke of the death of legendary trainer Kevin Prendergast.
Prendergast's remarkable career in racing began in 1963 when he secured his training licence. As the son of renowned trainer Paddy 'Darkie' Prendergast, who achieved the distinction of becoming the first Irish-based trainer to claim the British championship in 1963, Kevin was destined for greatness.
Throughout his illustrious career, Prendergast achieved significant milestones, including a 2000 Guineas win at Newmarket with Nebbiolo in 1977. He also secured two Irish 2000 Guineas victories, with his most recent triumph coming with Awtaad in 2016.
Notably, Prendergast narrowly missed out on a Derby win when Madhmoon was edged out by half a length by Anthony Van Dyck in 2019.
Jockey Chris Hayes, who formed a lasting bond with Prendergast, paid a heartfelt tribute to his former mentor. Hayes reflected on their close relationship, stating: "I started out calling him 'sir' and that moved on to boss and we had a very close relationship, especially in the latter years. He was like a father or grandfather figure and we spoke closely and candidly."
Hayes continued, "I had the utmost respect for him. You could always ring Kevin at the drop of a hat and vice versa – he would have no problem ringing me even up to last week telling me if I had given one a good ride or a bad ride. I'd always enjoy ringing him up for a chat.
"The term legend is thrown about a bit loosely in this age and generation, but there is no other way to describe him."
Jockey Chris Hayes shares poignant memories as he reflects on his longstanding partnership with renowned trainer Kevin Prendergast, describing their final race together: "I had a second for him last week (aboard Glory To Be at Cork) and I was desperately hoping that our last ride together as it transpired would be a winning one, but we at least went out all guns blazing."
A sense of an era drawing to a close was palpable as Hayes recounted the connection he felt with Prendergast, "I had a good chat with him afterwards and was actually planning to go in and sit on a few horses for him tomorrow so it's a sad day and I'm a little bit numb as I've known nothing but him in racing, it's a real end of an era."
Reminiscing over their accomplishments, Hayes holds their Curragh triumph nine years ago with Awtaad close to his heart, stating "Hayes' first Group One success for Prendergast was La Collina, but it is memories of their Classic success together at the Curragh nine years ago with Awtaad which the 37 year old treasures most from their long association."
He recalled the milestones with emotional clarity, highlighting the unique bond between horse and jockey: "La Collina was my first Group One winner for Kevin, but Awtaad was the first horse that was mine – I inherited La Collina from Declan McDonogh."
Their time together was marked by many high points, as Hayes noted, "Obviously there were also some great days with Madhmoon who came after Awtaad. But Awtaad's Guineas was phenomenal."
Elaborating on the unforgettable moments, Hayes remarked, "It was the old Curragh and the cheer we got on the way in, I haven't heard one like it since."
Chris Hayes further emphasised the deep respect and admiration that surrounds Kevin Prendergast, saying, "I've been around a while and I never heard a cheer like that before that either and that cheer was all for Kevin and solely Kevin. People say it was for us, but it wasn't, it was for Kevin."
Paying tribute to Prendergast's stature in the racing community, Hayes concluded, "He's a legend around Kildare and a legend in the racing game and people were 10 deep around the winner's enclosure desperate to congratulate him.
"When I got the news this morning I couldn't help but look back through some pictures from that day in the car. We had some phenomenal times together and today is a sad day."
Shadwell's racing manager, Angus Gold, reflected on the loss saying: "It's the end of an era and he was one of the great men of my lifetime, we had some wonderful days together.
"He was a huge character firstly, a consummate horseman and the horses invariably won best turned out. He was just a very good trainer.
"It was spectacular to see Awtaad win the Guineas and then he had Madhmoon nearly win the Derby, which he took very phlegmatically.
"The amount of stories he had, I used to love my mornings on the gallops with him. He knew what was going all around the world as he had daughters living abroad.
"He'd seen it all, been there and done that. I went to see him about two months ago. He hadn't been very well last year but had made a remarkably recovery and was still sharp as a tack."
Born in Australia on 5 July, 1932, Prendergast received his education in Ireland and then started his racing career down under, becoming head lad to top trainer Frank Dalton.
After three years, he returned home to carve out a reputation as a leading amateur rider and began working alongside his father as an assistant trainer.
In 1963, after five years, Prendergast decided to go it alone and he didn't have to wait long for his first success, with Zara winning at Phoenix Park in May of that year.
His first Classic gold came in 1972 when Pidget won the Irish 1,000 Guineas, before adding the Irish St Leger to her achievements later that year.
Prendergast then trained the likes of Conor Pass (1973) and Oscar Schindler (1996 and 1997) to win two more Irish Legers, while Arctique Royal gave him another 1,000 win and Northern Treasure secured his first Irish 2,000 Guineas in 1976.
Top-drawer juveniles like La Collina, Miss Beatrix, Termagant and Kingsfort also add to the sense of longevity that Prendergast enjoyed in his career.
One of the most consistent trainers in Ireland, Prendergast celebrated his 2,000th career winner in 2010.
Not only was he an exceptional horse trainer, but he also worked with jockeys such as Hayes, Gary Halpin and Declan McDonogh. The legendary Kieren Fallon began his riding career with Prendergast, serving as an apprentice from 1982 to 1987 before moving on to become a six-time champion jockey.
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