Horse racing world mourns renowned international bloodstock consultant with Ballyleague roots

Internationally known horse racing figure Dermot Carty, who died in Canada recently, had his family roots in Ballyleague, Co Roscommon.
A renowned international bloodstock consultant, Dermot passed away on Friday, September 22 in Ontario, Canada.

Aged 65, he had been hospitalised for a number of weeks with Covid-19-related symptoms.

While he was born in Manchester in England, Dermot Carty had deep Irish roots.

His family moved to Ireland when he was young. He was son of Frank and Una Carty of Ballyleague, Co. Roscommon. It was while living there that he developed a particular fondness for Roscommon Racecourse as a young man.

While Dermot had a lifelong love of Thoroughbred racing, he spent the earlier part of his professional life in the insurance business. He also owned a number of restaurants over the years.

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When he became involved in the Thoroughbred horse racing industry, it was with huge success.

As a bloodstock agent he built long and lasting relationships with many of the world’s leading owners and breeders in Australia, Japan, throughout North and South America, and Europe.

The horse racing world has paid tribute on the occasion of his untimely death.

Kirsten Rausing, owner of Lanwades Stud in England and chair of the International Thoroughbred Breeders’ Federation, said: “Dermot was the proverbial ‘larger than life’ character. Once met, never forgotten. He was a marvellous, intuitive, and expert horseman, genuine, professional, and honest in all his dealings – and with a great sense of humour too”.

Dermot Carty worked for more than 30 years for Frank Stronach’s Adena Springs’ operations in the United States and Canada as director of sales and as bloodstock consultant, taking immense pride in the farm that was honoured with 11 Sovereign Awards as Outstanding Breeder and eight Eclipse Awards as Outstanding Breeder between 2000 and 2011, earning five consecutive titles in 2004-08.

He joined the board of the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society-Ontario in 2018 and served on its national board, resigning this spring for health reasons.

Aside from his contributions to the Thoroughbred industry, Carty has been remembered most by friends and associates as a generous and loyal friend.

A celebration of his life will be held at Hogan’s restaurant in King’s City, Ontario, where Dermot Carty met his wife, Beata.

The late Dermot Carty is mourned by his wife Beata, sisters Nuala, Deirdre and Una, brother Brendan, further relatives and many friends. A Mass in his memory will be held in Ballyleague at a later date. May he rest in peace.

*Additional reporting courtesy of www.bloodhorse.com

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