Popular Equestrian Breeder’s Wife Passes Away at 73

The equestrian world is currently going through a rough patch of time. While several stakeholders are already tormented by the deaths of racehorses, the equestrian community also lost a very influential figure. 

Lady Chryss O’Reilly, known for her exquisite equestrian and equine knowledge recently breathed her last. She showed excellent leadership skills alongside her husband, the famed equestrian trainer Sir Anthony O’Reilly. Her sudden and untimely demise has created a great void in the horseracing industry.

A subtle but strong equestrian leader passes away

Lady Chryss O’Reilly left a strong impression on the equestrian community. The Greek-American breeder and trainer owned the Haras de la Louviere situated in Normandy, France. Her subtle ways always worked wonders as she worked with several trainers across Europe. She operated as a former chair member of the Irish National Stud.

The O’Reillys made the perfect power couple and founded and worked on several successful projects. The couple first met in the year 1989 when Sir O’Reilly was sourcing funds for his Waterford Wedgwood Project.

This was followed by another chance meeting in Ireland, after which both of them got married in 1991. Lady Chryss and Sir Anthony loved horses and equestrian sports and dedicated their lives to the sport.

Unfortunately, Sir Anthony O’Reilly lost the better half of his personal as well as professional life. The tragic loss took away the woman who trusted him wholeheartedly in his endeavors and acted as his backbone. Lady O’Reilly took office as the first chairperson of Barretstown Castle charity for children co-founded by Sir O’Reilly.

In fact, she also donated $1,079,550 to the project from her purse. Lady O’Reilly stood strong with her husband as the Waterford Wedgwood Project that introduced them to each other went bankrupt. She unexpectedly passed away at her residence in Normandy. She had personally supported several talented European trainers. One of those trainers, Eddie Lyman, among many others, paid his respect to Lady O’Reilley. 

Indebted trainers pay tribute to Lady O’Reilly

According to Eddie Lyman, Lady O’Reilly was a very kind woman. Lyman said, “I was fortunate to have trained for her for 15 years, maybe more, and she was a pleasure to train for as she was very knowledgeable.” Another trainer named Henri Bozo joined Lyman in his ode to the departed equestrian.

He said, “It’s a sad day. She’s been amazing and she’s a huge loss for many people. She was such a supportive and kind person and she made our industry nicer and more human.” The trainer also emphasized that while Lady O’Reilly has left the world, she lived a happy life before passing away.

ALSO READ – After Several Horse Deaths and Accidents, Prestigious Equestrian Racetrack Decides to Take Action

Lady Chryss O’Reilly had truly dedicated her life to equestrian sports. In fact, her equestrian career spanned over 50 years of her life out of the 73 years she lived. The equestrian world lost a great mentor and a great human being. Several other trainers across Europe paid tribute to the departed legend. The European horseracing scene will now continue without her esteemed guidance, but will always remember her and her winning ways.

WATCH STORY – Unexpected Turn of Events Lead to the 19-Month Suspension of the Prominent Equestrian Ahead of 2024 Paris Olympics