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At 79, trainer Jessica Harrington remains deeply involved in the family racing stable, and her daughter Kate says retirement is not discussed. With the Irish Champions Festival at Leopardstown imminent, the Harrington name continues to be central to a busy, multi-generation operation.
A family-run stable with clear roles
The Harrington yard is run as a tight family concern. Jessica works alongside daughters Kate and Emma and son-in-law Richie Galway, overseeing roughly 120 to 130 racehorses.
Emma manages much of the administration and staffing, while Kate handles day-to-day care and logistics for the horses. “We all know what our parts are and we try to play them as best we can,” Kate said. “We all muck in.”
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When disagreements arise, however, there is still one decisive voice in the yard. Kate admits that on major calls, the final decision goes to her mother.
Determination drilled in from childhood
Kate recalls how Jessica’s upbringing — with a grandfather in the British Army — left her with a disciplined, relentless work ethic. That determination, she says, shows in everyday choices.
On one recent morning, Kate offered to drive Jessica to the gallops in heavy rain. Jessica declined. “No, no, I’m walking,” Kate quoted her mother, a short exchange that underlined a lifelong habit of pressing on.
Kate also spoke about recent health challenges Jessica has overcome. “She battled breast cancer three years ago and came out the other side; she’s had two new knees, and sure, not a bother on her,” Kate said, adding wryly that her mother might well set herself another demanding goal next year.
Hotazhell and the Leopardstown weekend
This Saturday the family will focus on the racetrack as Group One winner Hotazhell runs in the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown. The horse arrives off a win in Munich, a result Kate described with satisfaction.
“We couldn’t have been happier with him,” she said, while acknowledging the step up in class. “He’s back in against the big boys.”
With jockey Shane Foley booked to ride, Kate says the team’s work is done once Hotazhell heads to the start. “Our job’s over. It’s over to him and Shane now,” she added.
The Irish Champions Festival
The Irish Champions Festival at Leopardstown, Dublin, runs for two days, 12–13 September.
