Racing Legend honour for Kilcullen’s Jim Kavanagh

Images courtesy Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer.

Kilcullen resident Jim Kavanagh was conferred with this year’s Irish Derby Racing Legend award at an event in Kildare town yesterday to announce the 2026 honouree in the Kildare Derby Festival Hall of Fame.

Kavanagh, who grew up near the Curragh, held a trainer’s licence for many years before going on to serve as Trainers’ Representative with Horse Racing Ireland (HRI).

From his successful career as a trainer to his work with HRI and his voluntary contributions as an Irish racing archivist, Kavanagh has devoted his life to preserving Ireland’s racing heritage.

The Racing Legends Plaque was unveiled at the pop-up Racing Legends Museum at the Old Courthouse in Kildare. 

The exhibition showcases local trainers, iconic horses and jockeys who have shaped Kildare’s racing story for generations, many with strong links to Kilcullen, Gilltown, Athgarvan and the surrounding area.

Jim Kavanagh and family.

With Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer.

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