Senior figures have paid warm tributes to Pat Hyland, a cherished figure in the Irish breeding and racing community who maintained Oghill House Stud to such high standards, after his death over the weekend at the age of 78.
Oghill House, a 300-acre farm in County Kildare, has long been a close Hyland family concern with his brother Hugh another member of the fourth generation to be deeply involved, later joined by Pat's nephew John.
Its brightest star of recent times has been Marcel, winner of the old Racing Post Trophy (G1) at Doncaster in 2015 who has gone on to become a stallion.
It has also been responsible for producing another sire in Washington DC, who in that same season landed the Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot and finished second in the Keeneland Phoenix Stakes (G1).
The family were later honored with the special recognition award at the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders' Association's annual ceremony.
Under Hyland's astute, hands-on guidance, Oghill House produced the likes of smart French group-class filly Mixed Intention, while its most recent flagbearer has been Rose Of Kildare, winner of last year's Tattersalls Musidora Stakes (G3) at York.
Joe Osborne, managing director of Godolphin Ireland, said: "Pat Hyland was a hugely respected and very popular figure in our industry and in the local community.
"His enthusiasm and knowledge were uniquely combined to advise and mentor a wide range of people who worked at and dealt with Oghill House Stud. He will be greatly missed by all of us at Godolphin Ireland and we extend our condolences to his family."
Derek Veitch of Ringfort Stud used to make a point of meeting Hyland before a sale for his counsel. "He always used to give very solid advice and I loved having a cup of tea and a bit of craic," he said. "Pat was just a very kind person."
Tattersalls auctioneer John O'Kelly had known Hyland since before the days he stood the stallion Maelstrom Lake.
"Like all the Hyland brothers and now extended family he was a tireless worker, great stock man and just had an innate feel for his horses," he said.
"A meeting with him was always educational and he was a great supporter of all sales companies—a lovely man who did not enjoy the best of health these last few years. He shall be much missed and my condolences go out to all his family."
Hyland spent a lifetime on the farm in Monasterevin and, in an interview with the Racing Post a few years ago, reaffirmed his love for the place.
"In the evening, when everyone has gone home, you can just sit on the quad in the field and look at the horses forever," he said.
A private family funeral will take place Feb. 9, with requiem mass in St. Peter & Paul's in Monasterevin at 11 a.m. and internment afterwards in St. Brigids Cemetery, Nurney. Family flowers only have been requested.
