Kevin Prendergast (b. 1932)

Track 1: Horse training as a way of life from his birth; his father, Paddy Prendergast, known as ‘Darkie’, who was a strict disciplinarian, and his home at Rossmore Lodge. Education with the Dominicans in Newbridge. His rugby days. In 1949 he began his horse training apprenticeship in Australia, where he stayed for five years. Track 2: In 1963 gained his licence to train; building up the training business; his first horse owner, Mrs Whitney Tippett, who sent him promising horses. Track 3: His years as a successful amateur jockey; his first memorable win on Zara in the Phoenix Park racecourse in May 1963. Track 4: The Doyles, who were the former owners of Rossmore Lodge. Taking over his father’s business in 1979 in addition to his own enterprise. The stable management in those days; the long tradition of stable hands; the clients. Track 5: The racecourses around the country; the transporting of horses by CIE in the early days; transporting horses overseas in the 1960s. Track 6: His views on the Turf Club and its members; the setting up of Horseracing Ireland. Track 7: The jockeys who rode for the Prendergast stables through the years. Track 8: Reminiscences of his life as it is now, the challenges encountered by an individual in the horse training business.