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."
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