Kevin Prendergast Class of 1950 RIP

ONE of Irish racing’s most successful and popular trainers, Kevin Prendergast passed away on Friday 20th June, just two weeks short of his 93rd birthday.

From a famous Irish racing family, he trained for over 60 years and never retired, having had a runner as recently as last weekend.

He won eight Irish classics and one British classic. His best horses included Nebbiolo, Pidget, Artique Royale, Northern Treasure, Oscar Schindler, Conor Pass, La Collina, Kingsfort, Termagant, Mores Wells, Miss Beatrix, Mustameet, Rebelline, Verglas, Oscar Schindler, Earl Of Barking, Bradawn Breever, Termagant and Awtaad.

Kevin was educated in Newbridge College and Rockwell College, where he played rugby at a high level, but he returned to Australia aged 17 to begin his racing career before moving back to Ireland four years later to assist his father at Rossmore Lodge. He was a very successful amateur rider before taking out his own trainer’s licence in 1963. He achieved immediate success.