TEN years ago The Irish Field reported on the death, a week earlier, of Flame Of Tara. Bred and raced by Miss Pat O’Kelly of Kilcarn Stud, the daughter of Artaius was described by her owner as “friendly, sometimes mischievous and very special”, before adding that she was “a quality mare with presence and, unlike many great racemares, a very feminine individual”.

Flame of Tara has been an outstanding success for Miss O’Kelly and the mare’s influence on breeding at Kilcarn continues today. Later this month the Meath nursery will sell a Raven’s Pass granddaughter at the Goffs Orby Sale, as well as an Invincible Spirit from the same family.