Longtime Coolmore Adviser Murphy Dies at 75
Clem Murphy, a highly regarded member of the Coolmore Stud team and a long-serving member of the Breeders’ Cup board of directors, died March 7. The passing of the 75-year-old Irish native was first reported by Thoroughbred Daily News.
A well-respected adviser, Murphy traveled with the Coolmore contingent to sales and races across the globe. Due to illness he was unable to attend last year’s Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar, but trainer Aidan O’Brien’s thoughts quickly turned to Murphy after Lake Victoria won the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1T).
“We’re so delighted for everybody. Just wanted to say our very best wishes to Clem Murphy, who is usually here. Without him, none of this would ever be happening,” O’Brien said.
Coolmore’s John Magnier spoke to TDN Friday about Murphy’s importance to him and his team.
“We count ourselves extremely lucky to have had Clem with us at Coolmore since the outset. He soon became part of our family and his friendship was treasured by us all,” Magnier said. “He had an unparalleled knowledge of the global bloodstock market and a great interest in the sport of racing.
“Firm but always fair, he was an extraordinarily clear thinker who could always find solutions where others only saw problems. A family man through and through, I will miss him greatly as will all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Clem had no enemies and the respect of all, a perfect example for us all to follow.”
Breeders’ Cup released the following statement Friday:
“We are deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Clem Murphy, a valued and long-serving member of our Board of Directors.
“Clem joined our board in 2006 and served with unwavering dedication and passion for 20 years. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in the international growth of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships and was instrumental in the expansion to a two-day festival of racing with purses and awards of more than $34 million. As co-chair of the Racing and Nominations Committee, Clem was a driving force behind the expansion of the Breeders’ Cup international stallion program and played a key role in incorporating major international races into the Breeders’ Cup Challenge: Win & You’re In Series.
“Clem’s wisdom, insight, strong will, and unwavering commitment to our industry will be deeply missed. He was not only a respected colleague but also a dear friend to many within our organization. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the entire Coolmore team during this difficult time.”
The Coolmore team, including Clem Murphy (far right), at the 2022 Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale
