THE village of Knockavilla in Tipperary was rain swept on Thursday for the thanksgiving Mass to celebrate the life of Peter Magnier, who lived nearby at Brittas House, Cashel. He was 69.

The Church of the Assumption was packed to overflowing as this concelebrated service was conducted by five priests, and the attendance included many friends from the racing and breeding communities, some of whom travelled from overseas to be present.

Paul Shanahan delivered a eulogy on behalf of the family, speaking about Peter’s successes over a career that saw him shape the success story that was Deep Run, his move from Monatrim Stud to Brittas House, his close family ties, and his positive responses to a number of challenges life had faced him with. The parish priest spoke of Peter’s deep faith, and pointed to his spot in the church which he attended for two decades.

BREEDING SUCCESS

Peter enjoyed many successes as a breeder of top-quality National Hunt and flat horses, and also had success as an owner too. One mare shines brightly in the story of successes he enjoyed. A winner at three in France, Brigid was purchased for 140,000gns in 1995 carrying a full-sister in blood to Group 1 winner Dolphin Street. She would go on to breed three stakes winners, including the Group 1 winning full-sisters Sequoyah and Listen.

Sequoyah and her unraced half-sister Lady Windermere have both become influential broodmares, the former breeding four-time Group 1 winner Henrythenavigator, while Lady Windermere’s stakes-winning daughter Absolutelyfabulous is the dam of Group 1 Irish 2000 Guineas winner Magician. Some 15 stakes winner descend from Brigid, a number that is sure to grow.

On the National Hunt front he had many good winners bred on his farm, and as an owner started the racing careers of a number of smart performers, notably in partnership with Mag Mullins.

A man with a great sense of humour, this trait was typified by an anecdote told on his death. During the height of his success as a stallion, Weatherbys sent a team of veterinary surgeons to Grange Stud to see how Deep Run managed to cover so many mares in a single day. After examining the horse, they found nothing remarkable about the stallion. Peter explained: “He’s normal in every way, but he has a very bad memory!”

Son of Tom Magnier, who owned Grange Stud and enjoyed great success with Cottage, Peter is survived by his children Trini, Scobie, Tash, Ed and Coco, his mother Evie Stockwell, brothers John and David, sister Anne O’Callaghan of Tally-Ho Stud, his partner Annabel, grandchildren and many other family and friends. He was predeceased by his wife Jane.

Readings at the mass were delivered by Richard Magnier, Roger O’Callaghan and Avena Mansergh-Wallace. Peter died on Monday, January 28th, and he was buried near the place of his birth, at Kilcrumper New Cemetery in Fermoy, Co Cork. His family have asked for donations, if desired, to be made to Solas Cancer Support Centre.

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