The Irish Field: ITBA AWARDS: Dermot and Meta - the power couple who put it all back in

DERMOT Cantillon and Meta Osborne are the latest inductees to the ITBA’s Hall of Fame.

Described in the awards booklet as a “power couple”, the Tinakill House Stud owners have individually achieved a huge amount in the industry.

Dermot managed Forenaghts Stud for the Smurfit family during a period in which his employers won two Melbourne Cups with Vintage Crop and Media Puzzle. He has chaired Irish Thoroughbred Marketing, the Tote, been on endless industry committees including the boards of Goffs and the ITBA, and he currently chairs Naas Racecourse.

All the while, Tinnakill has bred, bought and sold a long list of top-class horses in just 20 years in existence, notably Group 1 winners Casamento, Alexander Goldrun, Red Evie and State Of Rest.

Meta is regarded as one of the world’s leading equine veterinary surgeons specialising in mare reproduction. Also heavily involved in racing administration, she became Senior Steward of the Turf Club in 2016, the first woman to hold such a prestigious post in any major racing jurisdiction.

Before they were called to the stage, video tributes from the Racing Post’s Alan Byrne, Tony Smurfit, Cathal Beale, former senior steward John Byrne, Fiona Craig and their own son Jack were aired.

The couple were repeatedly lauded for the time they have given for the benefit of the industry and to help others, particularly the next generation.

Dermot and Meta were described as “an inseparable force” and a team who have a well-deserved reputation for doing things the right way and continue to enjoy each other’s company as much now as they did when they first met.

Alan Byrne’s comment that this award was the equivalent of being chosen as the professionals’ professional left a deep impression on Meta. “There are so many people in this room that I admire, it makes this award really special,” she said.

MC Leo Powell reminded Meta that her late father Michael won the same award in 2005. “We have a photo in our hall of that night, and I see it every day. It is a huge thrill to follow in his footsteps.”

Dermot added: “We regard this as the ultimate award.”

Recalling how they first met, Dermot said: “The day I first met Meta in Kentucky was probably the best day of my life. We hit it off straight away.

“Meta’s number one attribute is her selflessness. She never thinks about herself, in the family or in the industry.”

When it was suggested that Dermot had a knack for buying ‘tricky’ broodmares, he emphasised that it only worked if you also married a vet who was a world leader in mare reproduction.

A perfect partnership in every way.

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