“All Good Things Come To An End” – O’Kelly Retires From The Rostrum At Tattersalls

[Wandering Eyes]

Widely regarded as one of the most gifted and entertaining auctioneers in the business, John O'Kelly brought the curtain down on his time on the rostrum at Tattersalls during the Sceptre Sessions on Tuesday evening. 

And what a way to do it. O'Kelly brought the hammer down at 4.5 million gns to MV Magnier on Donnacha O'Brien's multiple Group 1 winner Porta Fortuna. It was a moment in time for the throngs of people packed into the auditorium as, for many in attendance, they had grown up listening to O'Kelly's dulcet tones – often spoken in many different languages.

If the standing that he was held in was ever in doubt, the warm round of applause followed by a standing ovation shortly after Porta Fortuna left the building speaks volumes as to what the loyal cohort of buyers and general bloodstock nuts felt about O'Kelly's departure.

Speaking ahead of that momentous night, O'Kelly commented, “I am stepping down from the rostrum at Tattersalls, I am not retiring as an auctioneer. There will hopefully be opportunities that present themselves and we will go forward from there.

“I have always told my kids to find out what they want to do in life and then find someone who is prepared to pay you to do it. I have had a job that is not a job, it's a way of life. You get up every morning with a smile on your face. You are selling horses and you're selling dreams. It really is dream stuff. The sales ring here at Tattersalls is magnificent.”

He added, “I started here in December 1993. I worked at Goffs from 1980 until 1990 and then between 1990 and 1993 I was freelance. It was in 1993 when Tattersalls asked me to come on board. I have been associated with the company so long that it's very easy to say, 'oh, poor me, I'm not selling here anymore, I'll go elsewhere.' But really, it's a good firm. But it's a tough one having to stop auctioneering. They've asked me to stay on to inspect yearlings and be an ambassador.”

It is Tattersalls policy that auctioneers do not continue beyond their 65th year. By that metric, the company's chairman Edmond Mahony, will also bid adieu to the rostrum this week. However, while O'Kelly will officially be retired from the auctioneering at Tattersalls from Wednesday, he revealed that he will continue to be an auctioneer at BBAG, in South Africa and perhaps elsewhere. 

“I'm maturing like an old wine! People become presidents of countries much older than 65 but I can understand why theispolicy is in place at Tattersalls. But listen, it was discussed. I put my argument forward but ultimately it was the board's call. I'd love to carry on, as I'm doing with a heavy heart, but I fully appreciate their policy and I wish them the best in the world. I'll still miss it.

“All good things come to an end. Edmond and I work tremendously well together. What the guy has done for this company is just incredible. He's a great man to encourage people to just get out there and do it. Edmond has always placed trust in his people. I tip my hat to him, what a great job he has done. I wish him well in his retirement also. But look, I have had a wonderful time here and I have no regrets. Yes, I am sorry that it's coming to an end. Would I like to continue? Absolutely. But hey, that's life.

“I live in Belgium and I'll still be an auctioneer at BBAG and I'll do South Africa as well. The rest is sort of up in the air. But, do you know what,” O'Kelly says before clearing his throat, “quite honestly, I have just been trying to get through this week. I want to give it my all, finish on a high, and then I can sit back and think. I have a decent filly to sell tonight – I hope I don't mess it up as it's a nice parting gift.”

O'Kelly handled the selling of four-time Group 1 winner Porta Fortuna as only someone as professional and assured as he could. 

Shortly after the applause had died down, he thanked those in attendance at Park Paddocks by saying, “I have enjoyed every minute of it. But can I just say that your support and participation has made this all such fun and a pleasure. The memories we have are phenomenal. Thank you all so much indeed. Have a very good Christmas Day. O'Kelly, out.”

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