Michael Fitzpatrick

Pa Doyle could not have said it any better than he did. It was at this sale 12 months ago that, when asked to sum up trade, the Galbertstown boss coined the phrase, "those pinhookers are as brave as lions." That sentence had as much relevance a year ago as it did on Tuesday when Paul McCartan, Michael Fitzpartick, Barry Mahon and Philip Stauffenberg--absolute titans of their profession--fought it out for some of the best foals on offer at Goffs.  It was McCartan, the master breeder and pinhooker who has...

Seventy years ago, Queen Elizabeth II won the fourth running of the race named in honour of her parents, the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, at her own racecourse, Ascot. Aureole was a hugely appropriate winner, having been bred by King George VI in 1950, two years prior to the monarch's death. The horse's victory was widely welcomed, not least because he had been beaten a year earlier by his conqueror in the Derby, Pinza.  The 'King George' provides ones of the key pivot points in the season,...

The Irish bloodstock community is in mourning following the death on Friday of respected breeder and pinhooker Eamon Fitzpatrick at the age of 81.  Through his Kilminfoyle House Stud in Ballacolla, Co Laois, Fitzpatrick became renowned as an excellent judge of young stock. His many successful touches in the sales ring spanned both the Flat and National Hunt spheres, through all manner of auctions, including from the early days of the breeze-up sales. His son Michael has continued the good name of the family business and is similarly highly regarded...