KNOWN AS THE voice of Irish racing, Des Scahill obtained legendary status thanks to 47 years in the commentary box.
Although the Dubliner had no family background with horses, he decided to relocate to Kildare as a teenager and become an apprentice jockey under Charlie Weld (father of Dermot) in 1964.
“On the heavy side”, as he puts it, Dessie accepted that he was never going to make the grade but, by then, he had been bitten by the bug.
Having briefly worked as a stable lad for Paddy Prendergast, he subsequently travelled horses for Mick O’Toole. However, his “party piece” — commentating on past races for the entertainment of others — accidentally opened the door to a new career, and he never looked back.
With an unmistakable sound, Scahill became synonymous with RTÉ’s coverage in the decades that followed before making the decision to retire in July 2018.
In Episode 4 of Humans of Horse Racing, the former commentator shares tales from his illustrious career during an interview at his favourite course — Leopardstown.
“I’ll always be associated and always be reminded, when the replays come up year on year, with the 1986 Cheltenham Gold Cup of Dawn Run,” Scahill says.
“I mean, that sort of victory had everything. Then, of course, the result was everything and it had such an exciting finish to the race.
Dawn Run was going to become the first mare ever to complete the double of the Champion Hurdle and the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
I remember going to Cheltenham in those times and Ireland might only have one winner at the whole festival. Now if the English win a race they’re happy, as Ireland nearly win them all.”
Commentating came naturally to Scahill, and he feels extremely privileged to have worked in a profession he loved for so long. However, he admits that elements of family life suffered due to the levels of commitment required.
“I had a marvellous life but it had its sacrifices,” he explains. “It was tough going around the country. When you’re young, in your thirties and forties, it would just roll off you like water — a week away at the festivals.
“But I missed the two lads and the daughter growing up. Mary had to do everything with them. You never get that time back and I regret not being a bigger part of them growing up.”
12 months ago, Dessie hung up his trusted binoculars for good after calling one final race at the Curragh. The tributes poured in as he was given a fitting send-off, with close friend Alex Ferguson even calling to wish him well.
These days, his days are spent on the golf course and, as current vice captain of Cill Dara Golf Club, Scahill is preparing for their centenary year in 2020.
Does he miss the unique buzz of racing though?
“The fact that I won’t do another race, I’m not that pushed about it but it just tells you that you’re at a time in life now,” Scahill replies. “You’re in the home straight, if you like.”
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