FRIDAY, June 13th was a lucky day for two of its locals. The Kildare Derby Festival inducted 91-year-old Sean Coughlan and his wife Anne into the Hall of Fame at the Courthouse in Kildare Town.

A distinguished breeder and owner, Sean’s legacy in the racing industry is marked by his exceptional contributions. Orla Murtagh and Cathal Beale led the tributes to the couple, watched by many friends and admirers of the couple.

Among Sean’s most notable achievements was breeding High Chaparral, a horse that clinched both the Epsom Derby and the Irish equivalent in 2002. Trained at Ballydoyle by Aidan O’Brien, High Chaparral’s illustrious career also included victories in the Breeders’ Cup Turf in 2002 and 2003, earning him the title of US Champion Male Turf Horse for two consecutive years.

Additionally, Sean bred and raced Ridgewood Pearl, a filly who made history in 1995 by winning four Group 1 races in four countries.

Her triumphs included the Irish 1000 Guineas, Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot, Prix du Moulin at Longchamp, and the Breeders’ Cup Mile at Belmont Park. Trained by John Oxx, her remarkable achievements earned her the accolade of European Horse of the Year and the Cartier Champion Three-Year-Old Filly Award.

To commemorate his enduring impact on the sport, Sean was also honoured with a commemorative plaque in Kildare Town. Robert Hall spoke with Sean at his home about his major successes, and this video forms part of an exhibition that runs for a short period of time.

Proudest moments

Leo Powell spoke to Sean on the day, recalling some of his proudest moments. Inseparable from Anne, the love of his life, Sean declared that two of his best racing moments were Ridgewood Pearl’s local success in the Irish 1000 Guineas, and her Breeders’ Cup success.

Jim Kavanagh and John Anderson were among those credited for putting the event together. The Hall of Fame exhibition is open to the public, free of charge, from June 23rd to 27th, from 2pm to 4pm daily. Why not step into a world of racing nostalgia and celebrate the legends who have shaped the sport’s rich history.

The Kildare Derby Festival, celebrating 160 years of the Irish Derby, runs from Sunday, June 22nd to 29th. There will be an unforgettable week ahead, packed with thrilling horse racing, live music, family fun, and the very best of Kildare’s food scene as the festival marks this milestone.

Visit kildarederbyfestival.ie