Raymond Keogh – an inspiring figure

Sir,

It is with sadness that I read of the passing of Raymond Keogh. I write out of respect for a man who, by his actions, enticed me into the world of thoroughbred racing and it’s a story worthy, I hope, of being told.

In early 1973 Raymond persuaded his friends Denis and Margaret Coakley, and both of my parents, to invest in a syndicate of yearlings, 12 to be precise, his view being that the more you had, the better the chance of success.

With all parties being of the sporting kind, the syndicate was gathered and renowned bloodstock agent Tom Cooper (husband of Valerie; father of Alan, Patrick and Diana) of the BBA Ireland was chosen to make the yearling selections and purchase.

All the purchase were trained by Stuart Murless (father of Charlie) on the Curragh. Of the dozen purchases, two worked out ‘quite well’, as Sea Break (running in the name of Denis Coakley) was champion two-year-old in 1974, and Nocturnal Spree (in the name of Mrs Denis O’Kelly) won the 1000 Guineas in 1975. Incidentally, there was no trophy for the 1000 Guineas at the time!

This was rectified following the Irish 1000 Guineas, when the filly was third with Lester Piggott on board, at a private dinner at the old Jockey Hall on the Curragh.

One of my brothers and I were granted special permission to be late back to boarding school the same evening – which turned out to be early the next morning!

Such was the infectious enthusiasm of both Raymond and his wife Joan, who predeceased him in July 2019, that the world of the thoroughbred grabbed me and proved career-defining.

The friends and syndicate members have all gone to their rest now, with Raymond being the last. I suspect they’re in for a rude awakening and a greeting of “well now” when he arrives at the pearly gates!

Such fun, such sport. It’s the end of an era but what a great ride it was. Rest in peace, good sir, and thank you for being you.

Yours, in sympathy,

JOHN O’KELLY,

Auctioneer,

Oostende,

Belgium