CLEM Murphy, a director of the Breeders’ Cup and an important member of the Coolmore team, passed away on Friday morning.

An accountant, Murphy joined Coolmore in 1978 and primarily held the role of bloodstock consultant. Representing Coolmore, he was a well-known figure at bloodstock sales and racecourses around the world.

On the news of Murphy’s passing, John Magnier reflected: “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. He had a unparallelled 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.”

During his absence due to illness at the 2024 Breeders’ Cup, an emotional M.V. Magnier dedicated Sierra Leone’s Breeders’ Cup Classic victory to Murphy.

After Lake Victoria’s win in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf, Aidan O’Brien said: “We want to send our very best wishes to Clem Murphy, who is usually here. Without him, none of this would ever be happening.”

Murphy represented John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith on the Breeders’ Cup Board for several years and was chairman of the Breeders’ Cup Racing and Nominations committee.

A full tribute to Clem Murphy will be published in next week’s edition.