Veteran trainer already looking forward to another season

Kevin Prendergast, for whom Awtaad's victory in the Irish 2,000 Guineas in May was the highlight of the season, is not considering retirement and is already looking forward to another season at the helm of his Friarstown stables on the Curragh.

The 84-year-old, who has had nine Classic victories during his successful career which started in 1963, said yesterday: "I'm enjoying training as much as I ever did and I've absolutely no intention of retiring. This time of year is all about stocking up for next season and that's what we're trying to do."

Awtaad was Prendergast's second winner of the Irish 2,000 Guineas – 40 years after he won the Classic with Northern Treasure.