Kevin Prendergast: Madhmoon can shine at Irish Derby

He describes himself as “hanging in there”, but as a keen golfer, who also enjoys fishing and shooting game, the soon-to-be 87-year-old Kevin Prendergast is doing a little more than that. Indeed, just six days before his birthday, Prendergast will make his way the two miles or thereabouts from his Friarstown base to the Curragh Racecourse, with a very live chance of winning the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby for the first time.

His legendary father, Paddy ‘Darkie’ Prendergast, is on the roll of honour four times, famously training Meadow Court to triumph for Hollywood star Bing Crosby in 1965. Crosby broke into song in the parade ring, regaling the throngs with When Irish Eyes Are Smiling. Prendergast himself has trained the victors of nine classics in Ireland and England, but never managed to take the honours in the Irish Derby.