Matt Duffy: visionary breeder and entrepreneur

MATT Duffy, breeder of Layfayette, died last Tuesday, April 14th, aged 87.

Having bred Cades County to win the New Stakes at Royal Ascot (nowadays the Norfolk) in 1972, breeding looked an easy game. The son of Continuation and Barnameala was to cause a lifelong chase of the dream.

Matt was ahead of his time in developing niche food products at his Duffy’s Meats plant in Hacketstown, Co Carlow. Honeyroast Ham and Irish Whiskey Salami were among the innovations in his ultra-modern factory. He lost it in the credit crunch of early-1980s Ireland but retained his flair for innovation and his love of deal-making.

His family agree that horse breeding was his greatest pleasure, a sentiment not always shared by his beloved Diana, especially when the bills arrived.

Matt bred Storm Dream, placed third in the Irish 1000 Guineas for the late Kevin Prendergast while still a maiden. Sold to Roy and Gretchen Jackson’s Lael Stables, she went on to win a Group 3 at the Meadowlands and also won Matt and Di a friendship with the Jacksons, owners of Barbaro.

Close shaves in Group 1s became a theme. Lottie Dod, bred in partnership with his great friends the Grassicks and placed in the Phoenix, and more recently Atsila (bred by Paul and Liz), Athasi winner and Matron placed for Donncha O’Brien, were to produce more fluttering hearts in Coolgreany.

A long affinity with the Irish National Stud, rooted in the tenure of his brother-in-law Michael Osborne, led to his purchase of shares in Invincible Spirit. Among the sires many achievements, the great horse helped Di balance the books!

Cathal Beale proposed a syndicate of a horse in training and among the first aboard was Matt. Phoenix Of Spain delivered to Matt his overdue classic success at the Curragh as the proud part-owner. Cue unbounded celebrations, never one of Matt’s shortcomings.

Described by son Paul as Matt’s magnum opus and certainly the horse which gave him the most pleasure, Layfayette won for the 10th time on Good Friday at the Curragh recently, just in time for Matt to enjoy it. “I’m feeling better already” he said from his hospital bed. It was not to be.

J.O.