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Edward O'Grady: 'This isn't an obituary, pal - we're moving forward here'
The legendary trainer speaks to Richard Forristal ahead of a major anniversary
Edward O'Grady is still looking to the future after 50 years in the gameCredit: Patrick McCann
You can still hear the engine of the car you've just alighted whirring to its rest when Edward O'Grady gently growls across at you from the threshold of his rustic Ballynonty home.
"Now, this ain't an obituary, pal," is the first volley he pitches in from 20 paces. "We're moving forward here – have no doubts about that!"
On Thursday at Gowran Park, O'Grady will celebrate the 50th anniversary of his first winner, Vibrax, who was ridden to victory in a handicap hurdle by his similarly esteemed cousin Timmy Hyde.
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more inInterviews
- It's been a quarter of a century since we started - here's how we've seen the sport we love change
- 'You can see why people end up struggling - when you're trying to pay the electric bill, losing one ride can be massive'
- 'I've never paid six figures for a horse and never will - I learned pretty quickly you're only one phone call away from f*** all'
- 'I’ve trained some fabulous horses, worked with some excellent riders - maybe I have brought a little bit of talent to the table as well'
- ‘When you’re in the moment and you’re starved, you’re ready to explode - everything built up and I just lost my s**t’