Trainer Edward O’Grady passes away at 75, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy in Irish National Hunt racing. O’Grady, one of the sport’s most respected and successful figures, passed peacefully at St James’s Hospital surrounded by family. His influence stretched over five decades, marking him as a giant of the racing world.
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A Lifelong Dedication to Racing
Edward O’Grady began his training career in 1972 at just 23, following the passing of his father, Willie. From his Ballynonty yard in County Tipperary, he trained his first winner that same year—Vibrax, ridden by his cousin Timmy Hyde at Gowran Park. His final winner came just weeks before his death, when Our Soldier won a handicap hurdle at Bellewstown.
Dominating the Racing Scene
O’Grady rose to prominence in the late 1970s, capturing four straight Irish training titles from 1977 to 1980. He was also a trailblazer at the Cheltenham Festival, claiming 18 wins across his career there. His first success came with Mr Midland in the 1974 National Hunt Chase, setting the tone for decades of achievement at the highest level.
A Career Full of Stars
Among the most brilliant horses O’Grady trained was Golden Cygnet, winner of the 1978 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle before suffering a fatal injury a month later in Scotland. He also guided Pizarro to victory in the 2002 Champion Bumper and Back In Front in the 2003 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. Other standout horses included Sound Man, who won the Tingle Creek Chase twice, and Ned Kelly, the 2002 Irish Champion Hurdle winner.
A Legacy Beyond the Track
O’Grady wasn’t just defined by his nearly 1,700 winners. Known for his intelligence, wit, and warmth, he built friendships across the globe and maintained a lifelong love for horses, racing, and the hunting field. His family described him as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and a storyteller with a passion for life and sport. Funeral details will be shared soon.
Final Grade One and Continued Impact
His final Grade One win came in 2011 when Cash And Go claimed the Future Champions Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown. With deep roots in the Irish racing scene and ties to major owners like Coolmore’s John Magnier, O’Grady’s name remains etched in the history of the sport.
