
ITV halt live Royal Ascot coverage to announce tragic news
ITV's live coverage of Royal Ascot was paused this afternoon as the death of "a legend of the sport" was announced.
Just minutes into the broadcast from the fourth day of the meet, presenter Ed Chamberlin informed viewers that legendary racehorse trainer Kevin Prendergast had died at the age of 92. The Irishman trained over 2,000 winners over the course of his glittering career - which spanned six decades - but he sadly passed away just a few weeks short of his 93rd birthday.
He was the son of the legendary Paddy 'Darkie' Prendergast and started out as an amateur jockey before taking out a trainer's licence in 1963.
Prendergast would go on to win nine Classics in his career, with eight of those victories coming in Ireland.
His sole English Classic win came when Nebbiolo triumphed at the Newmarket 2,000 Guineas in 1977.
Meanwhile, his last winner in any race came last August, when Copie Conforme, ridden by Chris Hayes, won at Bellewstown.
Announcing the news moments into Friday afternoon's coverage, Chamberlin told viewers: "There was some sad news earlier today, the news that the Irish trainer Kevin Prendergast has died at the age of 92.
"A trainer that had over 2,000 winners, he won four races here at Royal Ascot and nine Classics in total, including Nebbiolo in the 1977 2000 Guineas.
"He really was a great trainer and an even better man."
Chamberlin then handed over to former jockey Ruby Walsh to give his thoughts on the tragic news, asking him: "Ruby, would it be fair to describe him as a trailblazer in the training ranks?"
"Oh, he most certainly was, Ed," replied Walsh.
"He followed in the footsteps of his father Darkie and he trained for long enough to compete against the great Vincent O'Brien and Aidan O'Brien.
"So he was a trailblazer, his horses always looked impeccable, he was a brilliant racehorse trainer, he was a legend of the sport, but he was a massive character and he will be sadly missed."
A statement from ITV Racing read: "Everyone at ITV Racing is sad to hear the passing of legendary trainer Kevin Prendergast aged 92.
"Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this time."
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Love Island fans rage over Megan's shock return as they raise concerns for 'emotionally drained' Shakira and urge 'where's the mental health team?'
Love Island fans shared their fury on X over Megan Forte Clarke's shock return to the villa during Wednesday night's episode. Viewers expressed it was 'unfair' Megan and Blu Chegini were given a second shot in the villa. Blu was the second islander to be eliminated from the ITV show, while Megan was dramatically dumped shortly after by the public. Some fans have even accused producers of creating a 'mean girl narrative' by welcoming Megan back as they claimed she 'bullied' Shakira Khan in her first stint. Some wrote: 'I'm confused who asked for Megan and blue back ? Weren't they gone FOR A REASON. Love island US and UK were trash this year. #LoveIslandUK next thing Meg and d are winning ??? DISGUSTING', 'I don't like the love island twist. I don't like that Megan and Bleu have came back. Because WHY?', 'Why would Love Island producers bring Megan back when the public voted her off #LoveIslandUK', 'atp what is the point of voting on love island UK if people like megan can just rock back up at any point of time, surely this shouldn't be allowed? #LoveIsland #LoveIslandUK', 'Sorry but I hate that Megan is back. Love island FIRE who ever game maker is!! #LoveIsland' Megan's return sparked a wave of concern for Shakira's mental health, who fans said already appears 'emotionally drained' on the programme. Viewers penned on X: 'funny how love island preaches about mental health and how the public should go easy on the islanders only to THEMSELVES use the most amount of vids of shakira for the grafties to push the mean girl narrative and sent back in megan one of the buIIies', 'this princess deserved so much better. i hope she walks for her own mental health. shakira you are loved worldwide and are better than love island', 'Shakira is emotionally drained and not okay Love Island uk is responsible for her mental health the contestants the producers the therapists everyone', 'Really not keen on the production team for the constant shots thrown at shakira. We only see one hour of the whole day and it's clear she's down and not feeling herself. Where's the mental health team love island are so vocal about? #LoveIslandUK'. Some fans have even accused producers of creating a 'mean girl narrative' by welcoming Megan back as they claimed she 'bullied' Shakira Khan in her first stint Viewers expressed their concerns for Shakira's mental health following Wednesday night's episode MailOnline has contacted Love Island for comment. In recent days, Shakira has been in floods of tears and has persistently said she 'can't wait to leave the villa' following a rocky start to her journey with Harry Cooksley. During the episode Shakira shut down her short-lived romance with Conor Phillips after struggling to get over her feelings for Harry. Last week, Shakira broke down in tears after a heated row with Conor after Harrison said during the Couple Of Sorts game that she had deeper feelings for Harry - who she was paired with earlier in the series. She told Conor: 'It's been twisted and you've wanted to believe the boys straight away. It's ego and pride. Wake up, Conor. 'They're literally the biggest game-players here. When have I ever lied to you? Their argument leaves Shakira feeling upset and she goes to Toni and Yasmin for comfort. Upset with the rugby lad, she said: 'I don't want to be surrounded by them all the time. For Conor to straight off the cuff believe them… We've been friends for weeks…' NAME: Dejon Noel Williams AGE: 26 FROM: London OCCUPATION: Semi-pro footballer and personal trainer WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone who is beautiful on the inside and out, looks after themselves and is healthy CLAIM TO FAME? My dad being an ex-professional footballer. I've met all kinds of famous people through him. When I was younger it was weird because he was just my dad, but we'd go to a game and fans were asking for photos. I've met David Beckham, he was really nice. Megan Moore NAME: Megan Moore AGE: 25 FROM: Southampton OCCUPATION: Payroll specialist WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? I'd like to meet someone who is tall, with a nice tan, nice eyes and a nice smile. He needs to have a good fashion sense and a really good, funny personality that I can get on with HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR LOVE LIFE? Bankrupt, right now. But we're going to make sales and get on that corporate ladder and be booming. Profits, profits, profits! NAME: Helena Ford AGE: 29 FROM: London OCCUPATION: Cabin Crew WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Somebody funny or Northern. I feel like Northern people have much more banter than Southerners. If you look through my previous dating history, you'll see I clearly go for personality. You can pretty much laugh me into bed. WOULD MAYA HIRE YOU FOR YOUR FLIRTING SKILLS? I would say hire but then quickly fire soon after. It would only be a temporary contract. NAME: Shakira Khan AGE: 26 FROM: London OCCUPATION: Construction Project Manager WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone who is tall, charming, witty, with big arms, a good smile and just really funny. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR LOVE LIFE? Booming, but they're all frogs. It's a busy love life but I've not found 'the husband', I'm looking for 'the one'. I'm looking for the ring. NAME: Harry Cooksley AGE: 30 FROM: Guildford OCCUPATION: Gold trader, semi-professional footballer and model WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? The girl next door that makes me laugh and can hold eye contact with me. I don't think I'd go for the most obvious girl, I like a real sweet girl. CLAIM TO FAME? I'm the body double for Declan Rice. So when he does a shoot, any body close ups will actually be me. You'll never see my face, but you'll see my shoulder or chest, that kind of thing. NAME: Conor Phillips AGE: 23 FROM: Limerick OCCUPATION: Professional rugby player WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?Someone who is really sure of themselves, ambitious, a bit of a go-getter and good craic. I like dark eyes and I don't mind a dominant woman. WOULD MAYA HIRE YOU FOR YOUR FLIRTING SKILLS? Definitely hire. I ask girls if they want to go halves on a baby. It doesn't work, but it gets them laughing. It's an ice-breaker, not a serious question of course! NAME: Toni Laites AGE: 24 FROM: Connecticut OCCUPATION: Las Vegas Pool Cabana Server WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? I'm looking for darker hair, definitely muscular but not too muscular. Super fit. Clean hair cut. Someone that can make me laugh - I'm super outgoing. And someone that's quite active. Maybe one day we could start our own family together. I WANT TO DATE A BRITISH GUY BECAUSE... I've lived in three different states and I'm still single. It's time to try something new! I have some British friends and they're pretty charming. I think all Americans love a good accent. British men are just more polite, with better manners. NAME: Yasmin Pettet AGE: 24 FROM: London OCCUPATION: Commercial Banking Executive WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? I'm looking for a guy who is fit, has a nice body and who is funny with a bit of banter. WHAT'S YOUR BIGGEST ICK? A guy that's stingy NAME: Bilikis Azeez aka Billykiss AGE: 28 OCCUPATION: Content Creator WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone tall who's good looking, but not too good looking, and that's confident, assertive, knows what they want and is serious about me WHAT'S YOUR BIGGEST ICK? Someone who's childish Jamie NAME: Jamie Rhodes AGE: 26 OCCUPATION: Electric Engineer WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Bubbly, cheeky, outgoing, good face card and a nice bum. WHAT KIND OF ISLANDER DO YOU THINK YOU'LL BE? I'll be in amongst the drama! It's a once in a lifetime opportunity, I'm gonna take it by the horns and go for it. NAME: Ty Isherwood AGE: 23 OCCUPATION: Site Engineer WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? I go off energy, if we vibe. I've typically dated brunettes, tanned, nice teeth with a nice smile. WHAT KIND OF ISLANDER DO YOU THINK YOU'LL BE? A head turner! I get along with lads easily and like to make people laugh. NAME: Cacherel 'Cach' Mercer AGE: 24 OCCUPATION: Professional Dancer WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone who's emotionally intelligent, beautiful, charismatic, caring, affectionate, and I'd say an intro extrovert. WHAT KIND OF ISLANDER DO YOU THINK YOU'LL BE? I think I'm gonna get into trouble, I feel like I'll be the joker of the group! I'll also be the person people come to for advice… and a bit of eye candy at the same time. ......................................................................................................................... NAME: Angel Swift AGE: 26 OCCUPATION: Aesthetics Practitioner and Salon Owner WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? I'm ready to make memories with someone, go travelling with them and fall in love WHAT KIND OF ISLANDER DO YOU THINK YOU'LL BE? I feel like people have been getting their heads turned very easily. I do feel like I have quite a good chance of turning someone's head.


Metro
an hour ago
- Metro
Emmerdale casts Slow Horses and EastEnders star as newcomer 'sends shockwaves'
Notorious EastEnders villain Chris Coghill is making a return to the world of soap, playing mysterious newcomer Kev in Emmerdale. The actor, best known to soap fans as evil paedophile Tony King, will become a permanent fixture in the Yorkshire Dales from September. Though Emmerdale bosses are remaining tight-lipped as to the full scope of Kev's intentions, they have let slip that he arrives searching for one villager in particular…but who? And why? On the new addition to the village, Emmerdale boss Laura Shaw said: 'We are delighted that someone of Chris' calibre has joined our cast. I think the viewers will be intrigued to see how the character of Kev will cause shockwaves this autumn. Want to be the first to hear shocking EastEnders spoilers? Who's leaving Coronation Street? The latest gossip from Emmerdale? Join 10,000 soaps fans on Metro's WhatsApp Soaps community and get access to spoiler galleries, must-watch videos, and exclusive interviews. Simply click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! Don't forget to turn on notifications so you can see when we've just dropped the latest spoilers! Kev has a strong connection to one of our characters and it's safe to say his arrival is going to be a massive surprise that will have major repercussions for some of our villagers.' More Trending On joining the long-running serial drama, former Shameless star Chris said: 'I am really happy to be joining the cast of Emmerdale. Who is Kev looking for? 'Kev is definitely going to shake things up a bit and I'm looking forward to getting cracking!' Outside of soap-land, viewers will recognise Chris from Shameless, The Bay and Slow Horses. View More » Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV1 or stream from 7am on YouTube and ITVX. If you've got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@ – we'd love to hear from you. Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage. MORE: British ITV drama 'that made TV history' storms Netflix top 10 chart MORE: ITV star reveals gruesome broken bone was kept secret on shark series MORE: Hollyoaks star marries boyfriend as they share loved up pictures


Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Emmerdale signs up rival soap star for huge role as mysterious newcomer
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) EMMERDALE has signed up an iconic EastEnders villain for a major new role. The ITV soap has called on the services of actor Chris Coghill who is best known for playing the evil Tony King in rival soap EastEnders. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 2 Chris Coghill has signed up to appear in Emmerdale 2 Chris played evil EastEnders villain Tony King Credit: Handout He has begun filming for his stint on the show this week. Bosses have revealed he's playing a character called Kev who is on the hunt for someone already in the village. Emmerdale Producer, Laura Shaw, said: 'We are delighted that someone of Chris' calibre has joined our cast. 'I think the viewers will be intrigued to see how the character of Kev will cause shockwaves this autumn. 'Kev has a strong connection to one of our characters and it's safe to say his arrival is going to be a massive surprise that will have major repercussions for some of our villagers.' Chris added: 'I am really happy to be joining the cast of Emmerdale. 'Kev is definitely going to shake things up a bit and I'm looking forward to getting cracking!' Chris has starred in a string of high profile shows including The Bay, Slow Horses and Shameless. The actor will be appearing onscreen late September. EastEnders' horror as Leo is exposed as evil paedophile Tony King's son A source teased drama to come with Kev adding: 'Kev is a complicated character who's going to set the cat amongst the pigeons in the village. 'It's going to lead to some huge storylines throughout autumn when what he wants is revealed.'