How an Italian socialite went from counter-culture activism to owning Classic contenders

Eleanora Kennedy's speedster Panama Red is among the favourites for Classic glory in 2022. The colourful and controversial socialite of Italian descent began her connection with Ireland through her late husband Michael, an Irish-American criminal defence attorney. Her racing success only scratches the surface of an extraordinary life. 

SPECIAL DAY: Eleanora Kennedy with trainer Ger Lyons after Panama Red won at Leopardstown on Irish Champions Weekend. A very successful business woman with varied international portfolios, she has taken an interest in horse racing through several Irish connections and the partnership she formed with Palm Beach jeweller Nicholas Varney saw them win three races from the five horses they own in 2021. Picture: Healy Racing

Most people are not one thing only but you would need a lot of labels and still not cover all the aspects of Eleanora Kennedy’s amazing life.

A Chanel-wearing New York socialite of Italian descent, the former Ms Baratelli married an Irish-American criminal defence attorney and embarked on a whirlwind of counter-culture activism, from agitating against the Vietnam War, defending IRA arms suppliers successfully and right up to the present day, campaigning against vile global scourge of human trafficking.