Veteran trainer Collins dies

The death took place yesterday morning of Ireland's longest-serving trainer Con Collins. He was 82.

A Classic winner in the 1984 Irish Oaks with Princess Pati, Collins was one of the most consistently successful flat trainers in the country during a 55-year-long career.

His first winner, however, came in a maiden hurdle at Gowran Park in 1952 with Hallelujah who was owned by the former US ambassador to Ireland, George A Garrett.

Collins tasted Group One success in Britain in 1978 when Sandy Creek won the William Hill Futurity, now the Racing Post Trophy, at Doncaster, to make him one of the leading two year olds of his generation.

However, it was Princess Pati that provided possibly his most memorable victory in the Irish Oaks at his local Curragh track. The Pat Shanahan-ridden filly easily beat the Epsom Oaks winner, Circus Plume, for owner Meg Mullion.

There was a 20-year gap until his next and final Group One success, with Chelsea Rose in the 2004 Moyglare, but Collins had a major sprinting talent in Dandy Man under his care last year.

The veteran trainer suffered a badly broken leg when kicked by a horse in a freak accident in the Curragh parade ring almost two years ago but was still as keen, and on top of his business, throughout last season.

He had, however, been unwell recently.

Collins's training colleagues at the Curragh paid tribute to him yesterday.

John Oxx said: "I've known Con all my life and always got on very well with him. He was such a nice man, and a very able trainer. He was always very clever at placing his horses properly. He has been in the Curragh for such a long time, and the place won't be the same without him."

Dermot Weld added: "He will be sadly missed, not only by his family and friends, but by everyone in Irish racing to which he made a huge contribution during a long career. My deepest sympathy goes to his wife Barbara and their children."

The Turf Club's chief executive, Denis Egan, said: "We're all greatly saddened at the death of someone who's been involved in racing as a trainer for 55 years.

"It's the end of an era. Our sympathies go to his wife Barbara and their three daughters, Sheena, Tracey and Natalie."