Owner Joseph Joyce Pays Tribute After Death of Saoire at 23

[Wandering Eyes]

By Joseph Joyce

Sometimes in life, things happen that make you stop and wonder why – little moments that seem like mistakes at first but turn out to be fate's way of leading you somewhere special.

It was 2003, my first time at the Tattersalls sales. I made what seemed like a simple mistake – I walked into the wrong stable. I didn't think much of it then and went on my way to meet my friend, Martin Cullinan, who I was supposed to join in looking at another horse. We saw the one we'd planned to view but didn't take to him. Then Martin said, “A friend of mine wants me to look at a filly – would you come along?”

“Sure,” I said. “I've nothing much else to do.”

As we walked toward the stable, something strange happened – the place looked familiar. I laughed and said to Martin, “I've just been here before, by mistake!”

Maybe it wasn't a mistake after all. Martin smiled and said, “Maybe you should buy her.”

And that's exactly what we did.

Next, we needed a trainer. As fate would have it, Frances Crowley passed by. I didn't know who she was at the time, but Martin said, “She comes from good stock – she'll do fine.”

He was right. Frances went on to train the filly, Saoire, who made racing history as the winner of the Irish 1,000 Guineas, making Frances Crowley the first female trainer in Ireland to win a Classic.

What began as a small mistake – stepping into the wrong stable – turned into a moment of destiny. Sometimes, the paths we think are wrong turn out to lead us exactly where we're meant to be.

A Word of Thanks and Farewell

I would like to thank everyone who was a part of Saoire's story – from the breeders and owners to the stable staff, jockeys, and all those who cared for her along the way. A special thanks to Martin Cullinan for his friendship and guidance, and to Frances Crowley for her skill, dedication, and history-making achievement.

Saoire passed away peacefully today at Cahermorris, where she had been happily retired from racing.

She brought joy, pride, and history to all who knew her. It was truly a journey to remember – one that began with a simple mistake and became a story that will never be forgotten.

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