SARAH Siddons was one of the greatest British tragic actresses, born in 1755 in Wales and she died in London a month short of her 76th birthday. Her talent was recognised by David Garrick, though she really blossomed in Drury Lane under Richard Brinsley Sheridan. She joined Covent Garden in 1803 and retired in 1812 after a particularly memorable performance as Lady Macbeth.

In the world of racing Sarah Siddons was an exceptional filly who raced in the colours of her breeder Meg Mullion and was trained by Paddy Prendergast. She won the Irish 1000 Guineas in 1976 under Christy Roche – 40 years ago – and it was a memorable weekend at the Curragh, with the Irish 2000 Guineas falling to Northern Treasure who was trained by Paddy’s son Kevin. Last weekend the younger Prendergast was again in the winners’ enclosure.