A Tribute To Mike Doyle By A Dear Friend

[Wandering Eyes]

by Richard G. Hogan

It is with a heavy heart that I write this tribute to my best friend, Mike Doyle. I first met Mike when I came to Canada in 1983, and we became instant friends.

Over the 40-plus years that followed, there were very few days we didn't speak.

Mike brought so much laughter into my life, often leaving me in tears from his stories and quick wit. When I was dealing with my cancer diagnosis, he called me every day. I always felt better after hanging up the phone with him—that was the kind of friend he was – kind, steady and always there.

We shared countless memories together, especially on our many trips to horse sales.

Whenever I said I had no business going to a sale, Mike would remind me, “If you don't go, you definitely won't get anything done.”

He was usually right—I'd come home with a horse or two bought, or a new client met. Whenever I had a bit of luck, he was always the first to call, genuinely happy for me. He was like a big brother.

He was a truly gifted horseman with an exceptional eye, who bought and trained many outstanding horses.

Mike helped so many people in the industry over the years including me.

Mike and I shared not only a lifelong friendship but a life long partnership in the business with many horses bought and sold.

Also, Josie Carroll spent her early years as an assistant to Mike before going on to a very successful career.

Brent Harris, Mike's longtime assistant has been an integral part of Mike's operation and they shared a wonderful working relationship together.

When I first went to Florida in the early '80s, I galloped for Mike at Payson Park. He introduced me to Shug McGaughey, Rusty Arnold, and many others.

We had so much fun—trips to Gulfstream, dinners at Manero's, or evenings out in New Orleans with Mark Frostad, Andrew McKeever, David Greathouse, and anyone else from the track who Mike invited  along  often starting at the Kerry Pub ending up at Mr. B's in the French Quarter for dinner.

I would be remiss if I did not mention Mike's very close friend trainers Brian Lynch and life long friend Roger Attfield. Other really close friends, John Whitson, Bill Duffy, Ciaran Dunne and Jack O'Connell and the late Bill Graham.

Mike was also very proud of his family in Ireland. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Peter and Ann Doyle, his nephew Ross, and his niece Tamso and her husband David Cox.

I would like to share one final thought, I can hear Mike now, he would say to me, “lets go to Waxys in Fort Lauderdale for a pint, we will just go for one”……that never happened!

My deepest condolences go to his wonderful family: his wife Deirdre; his daughter Melissa and her husband Darren; his son Marshall; and his beloved grandchildren Declan and Harlan.

I will never have another friend like you Mike Doyle. Rest in peace, Mike, until we meet again.

With sympathy,
Richard G. Hogan

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