Popular groom’s pals install memorial

By Kevin Janiak
Published 15th Jun 2020, 11:26 BST
Friends of Michael Curran put in place a memorial plaque at Newmarket gallops on Friday.Friends of Michael Curran put in place a memorial plaque at Newmarket gallops on Friday.
Friends of Michael Curran put in place a memorial plaque at Newmarket gallops on Friday.
Friends of Galashiels stable lad Michael Curran, who died last month, have placed a memorial plaque at the gallops in Newmarket, where he had daily rides with big race winners such as Kingman and Golden Horn.

A large gathering of his former colleagues and pals were present at the ceremony.

One of his friends, Helen Chrystal, told us: “Today was lovely,there were more than 100 people there.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Elizabeth Clayton gave an opening speech, then Newmarket chaplain Simon Bailey.

Friends of Michael Curran put in place a memorial plaque at Newmarket gallops on Friday.Friends of Michael Curran put in place a memorial plaque at Newmarket gallops on Friday.
Friends of Michael Curran put in place a memorial plaque at Newmarket gallops on Friday.

“Suzanne Backham unveiled the plaque and I gave a toast as we all had a little drop of champagne, balloons were released, then everyone could step forward and see the plaque, place flowers or just have a moment.

“The tree is at the bottom of the heath next to the Bury Road.

“Nearly every string of racehorses will go past it everyday, so all will be able to say ‘Hello’ and Michael will be able to laugh at the shenanigans.”

Meanwhile, Michael was laid to rest in his home-town on Thursday, with many of his friends and family lining the gates of Eastlands Cemetery.

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.