Written by Paul Vettise
Padraig Kelly is highly appreciative of the opportunities and support afforded to him by Coolmore and while it’s time to move on, he will continue to work closely with the major breeding and racing operation.
“I’ve been with them for 11 seasons and head veterinarian for the last three,” he said. “This season I will be setting up my own veterinary practice in the Hunter Valley – Padraig Kelly Equine Veterinary Services.
“I’ll continue my excellent working relationship with Coolmore and will be contracting back to do work for them.
“I very much appreciate all the support I have had from Coolmore and the opportunities they have given me to further my career.”
Padraig Kelly with Coolmore's MV Magnier
Kentucky experience
Kelly graduated from University College in Dublin in 2007 and subsequently completed a surgical internship in Kentucky at the Hagyard Medical Institute before joining Coolmore in Australia.
“I don’t come from a racing background, but during my time at college I spent my summer holidays at JP McManus’ stables.
“While I was at Martinstown Stud I grew my passion for thoroughbreds and during that time he had the great hurdler Istabraq.”
Padraig with Galileo
Istabraq was a three-time winner of the Champion Hurdle and also won four editions of the Irish Champion Hurdle for McManus, an Irish multi-millionaire and former part-owner of Manchester United.
“I’ve been very fortunate in the position I’ve had at Coolmore and as head vet oversee two other vets, two nurses and the laboratory for the breeding seasons,” Kelly said.
“I’m so grateful to the Magnier family for entrusting me to look after the greatest racehorses and stallions.
“I’ve done every stallion flight for the last 10 years and will continue that role with Coolmore. The great relationship with Tom and the team will continue.”
Best wishes
Magnier said he wished Kelly every success in the next stage of his career and was also delighted to be able to retain his services.
“Padraig’s given great service during his time at Coolmore and he’s been a vital member of the team. We’re looking forward to continuing our close association and wish him every success.”
"We’re looking forward to continuing our close association and wish him every success.” - Tom Magnier
During his Coolmore tenure, Kelly gained his post-graduate certificate in Equine Sports Management and in 2016 passed the membership exam for entry to the Australia and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (ANZCVS), specialising in large animal radiography.
Kelly and his fiancé Rae-Louise Farmer, a former yearling manager at Widden Stud, also operate Fernrigg Farm, just outside Denman, which they established in 2017.
The Fernrigg team at this year's Inglis Classic Sale
“We’ve done two full yearling drafts and it’s going really well,” he said. “The feedback has been very positive and we’ve had a few 2-year-old winners already.”
Among them has been Spilt (Choisir), who claimed top honours in the Inglis 2YO Challenge at Scone earlier this month for trainer Rod Northam.
