2005

FEW individuals have made as much of an impact on the racing and breeding industry in Ireland as the late Michael Osborne.

One of the leading figures in international racing too, the Naas-born veterinary surgeon died on Wednesday evening after a short illness. He was 71. He is survived by his wife Ann, daughters Meta, Liz and Jenny, and his sons Joe and John.

Following a moving funeral service yesterday in Kildare, close to his home and his heart, Michael Osborne was laid to rest in the graveyard at Kildangan. It was fitting that this should be his final resting place, given the influence he had on its development into a world-renowned farm for Sheikh Mohammed.

Leading the tributes, Sheikh Mohammed said: “Michael was a wonderful man. My thoughts and sympathy are with his family. We has some marvellous times together and I will always remember the great work that he did. He was a hugely influential figure in world racing. It was Michael who established the Dubai World Cup as a great international race.

“Michael always had enormous enthusiasm – for horses, for Ireland and for Dubai. Nearly 20 years ago he was the one who bought Kildangan Stud for me. He really loved the farm and it is fitting that he is going to be laid to rest in the graveyard at Kildangan.”

Born in Naas in 1934, Michael was immensely proud of his roots, and regarded one of the greatest honours he received as that of Freeman of Naas. He reflected at the time: “I was the first one enrolled since the Prince of Wales in 1905. It is a great honour. I went to school in Naas and played rugby for them.”

He was a loyal supporter of the Kildare Gaelic football team and was instrumental in getting Mick O’Dwyer to come and manage the team.

Veterinary surgeon

Qualifying as a veterinary surgeon in 1957, he established a well-known private practice in Naas for 12 years and worked there until he took over at the Irish National Stud. He made a huge contribution to the veterinary profession and served it in many guises. He was a past president of the Irish Veterinary Association and was in constant demand from other veterinary groups around the world.

He put the Irish National Stud back in the forefront of Irish commercial farms and enjoyed great success with the stallions at the time. The acquisition of Ahonoora is a testament to his judgement.

His talents had not gone unnoticed and he was tempted to America to oversee and manage the development of the Groves-owned North Ridge Farm. Conscious of his Kildare roots, he arranged for his native county to be twinned with Lexington, Kentucky, and he remains an iconic figure for many in that state.

John Williams, former general manager at Spendthrift Farm and a close friend of the Osborne family, said on Wednesday: “Michael was a lovely man – he meant so much to me and to so many people in the US and elsewhere. He touched so many, many people. The things he did just spread exponentially.

“I called him once when I needed help and he sent some people across to me who were just fantastic. In doing that, not only did he help me but he helped all of those people too, and they went on to be very, very successful in the horse business. That’s the sort of man he was. He did amazing things for people.”

Long association

Yet, his finest legacy, from a business prospective, still lay ahead. His long and fruitful association with Sheikh Mohammed did not end with the development of Kildangan Stud. He went on to establish international racing in Dubai and, as chief executive of the Emirates Racing Association, he supervised the construction of the first Nad Al Sheba grandstand, and managed the successful launch of the world’s richest race, the Dubai World Cup.

His reputation was such on the international stage that he also offered advice to a host of countries on the development of racing, and other equestrian pursuits, to the likes of Singapore, China, Korea, Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Portugal and Sweden. Only this year he took over as chairman of the World Racing Championships, and a project in hand was a proposal to revamp the World Racing Series.

While his contribution to the racing authorities here in Ireland was on a remarkable scale, he was also very proud of the distinction of being the first Irishman to be made an honorary member of the Jockey Club in Britain. In May 2005 he was conferred with an honorary doctorate by the National University of Ireland, Maynooth.

Kavanagh tribute

Brian Kavanagh, chief executive of Horse Racing Ireland, remembered his many roles in the administration of racing in Ireland. “Michael Osborne was Ireland’s foremost international racing figure of recent times. Over four decades he occupied every significant role in the Irish racing and breeding industries, and set new standards in every position he filled.

“His outstanding quality was his ability to relate to, and work with, people of all ages and backgrounds. His unique talents and enthusiasm saw him succeed wherever he operated, and throughout the racing and breeding world his legacy will endure for a very long time.

“He carried out all of his roles and responsibilities with characteristic integrity, good humour and modesty. Michael brought great distinction to Irish racing. Literally hundreds of people at senior levels of the racing and breeding industries owe their positions to Michael Osborne and the start that he gave them.”

For all of the international acclaim that Michael Osborne brought to his profession, his industry, his country and county, his greatest love and legacy was his family. He and Ann were devoted parents and the love they lavished on their children permeates to another generation now – their grandchildren, He famously revelled in being surrounded by young people and enjoyed nothing more than helping them.

What a void he leaves in his close-knit family. May he rest in peace.

Wise counsellor

The Irish Field editor Leo Powell paid a personal tribute to Michael Osborne in 2005

THE influence, if not the hand, of Michael Osborne touched many people in the racing and breeding industry, and not only in Ireland but also on the international stage.

If I were to ask everyone who came into contact with Michael Osborne to sum him up, they would all probably say something along the same lines. Helpful. A wise counsellor. A lovely man.

One of his strengths was that he liked to help young people. The many students who passed through his care at the Irish National Stud will testify to that fact. Ask the many Irish who have helped develop the horse business in Kentucky and they too will gush praise for the man.

Michael Osborne first came into the life of my family when he was a veterinary surgeon in Naas in the late 1950s and the 1960s.

He re-entered it when I was working with Ballsbridge Sales, and again in my later days with Goffs. We regularly came in contact too through the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association, and the Curragh and Naas racecourses.

I personally treasure two letters from Michael. On my leaving Goffs he wrote such a warm letter of congratulations and good wishes.

Then, only weeks ago, he thanked me and the paper for support given to the sport horse industry. He ended the letter with words he so often uttered: “If I can help you or any of your staff at any time, just give me a call.”

Sadly we no longer have the ability to call on his wisdom.

Yet, he would not want the industry to grieve his parting too long, rather to grow and keep looking forward. His legacy will live on and bear fruit. He would like that.

To his family, Ann, Meta and Dermot, Joe and Carol, John and Valerie, Jody and Liz, and Jenny, we extend our deepest sympathy. It was a pleasure to have known Michael.