Thanks for the memories, Frank

Sir,

May we be permitted to add a few sentences to Mark Costello’s fine appreciation of the late Frank Ennis in last week’s edition?

We enjoyed many successes with Frank over the years, notably with Ferneley, who was third to Teofilo in the Futurity, and subsequently won the Group 3 Amethyst Stakes.

On Frank’s recommendation we sent him to North America where he finished second in the Grade 1 Woodbine Mile in Toronto.

Memories keep flooding back – Sebastian Flyte, Yummy Mummy, and Mrs Snaffles storming to victory at the Curragh in an 18-runner contest under a youthful Rory Cleary, beating Race For The Stars from Ballydoyle under Kieren Fallon.

Willie Supple was an integral part of our success with Frank, and was a trusted adviser and wise friend.

What is not so well known is Frank’s handling of our fillies who all turned out to be Group 1 producers. Yummy Mummy, winner of a modest maiden in Sligo under Rory Cleary, was a full-sister to Fame And Glory, the Irish Derby and Gold Cup winner.

She was sold for 420,000gns and became the dam of the Group 1 winner Legatissimo.

Beatrix Potter was another filly he bought for us, which turned out to be the dam of Harry Angel, the Group 1-winning sprinter and now a stallion. Bea Remembered, named after our great friend Beatrice Barry of Newtown Stud, Callan, Co Kilkenny, is the dam of Stormy Antarctic, multiple Group 1-placed Group 2 winner for Ed Walker.

In more than 40 years as owners and breeders, we can say with conviction that Frank, pound for pound, was as good a trainer as we ever encountered.

His daughter Serena neatly summed up matters at the funeral mass last Monday when she said: “Dad, you’re a legend!” Sentiments widely endorsed by the congregation.

Yours etc.,

Dermot and Perle O’Rourke

Keredern House Stud,

Naas,

Co Kildare