Nairobi — One of Kenya's best-known jockeys and trainer, Kevin Francis Coogan, Ken to his friends, recently announced that he would not be renewing ties with the Jockey Club of Kenya from next season.

He said he was also retiring from training and handing over to Ibrahim Wachira -- whom he taught riding from an early age -- and returning to Ireland.

This was sad news for the punters at the Ngong racecourse, where Coogan has been a force for almost three decades.

Coogan came to Kenya in 1977 from Ireland to work for Aries Grammaticas of Maasai Mara -- he of Governor's Camp fame --on the recommendation of Liam Ward, who had worked for Vincent O'Brien in Ireland.

When Grammaticas built a a stable in Karen, his trainer, Perry Mason, suggested he invest in an imported jockey. Ward recommended Coogan, then a brilliant, energetic, sensible, young man. Grammaticas met him in London and was won over immediately by his personality.

Coogan rode for Perry Mason, until the latter decided to venture into safaris. He then applied for a licence to become a jockey/trainer, breaking records by the dozen, gaining two jockey championships.

He was runner-up several times, since other jockeys like Frank Morby had the advantage. Morby enjoyed the luxury of riding far more horses than Coogan as he worked in affluent stables.

Coogan, 66, was born in Curragh in County Kildare, Ireland.

He met his wife Anne Marie, 60, at Suncroft School fell in love, got married and had four children in quick succession. They had planned on coming to Kenya and as luck would have it, Coogan got the job offer from Grammaticas. They have been residents for three decades.

Young Coogan was not particularly scholastic, cut school often and always wanted to be jockey. He endured a rough two years at the beginning of his apprenticeship and had to walk four miles morning and evening to and from the stables, with a 10 hour work shift in between. He did all the normal chores of cleaning, feeding, riding, and learning to connect with horses.

When his boss died, he joined another leading trainer, David Ainsworth, also at the Curragh. Here he earned enough money to buy a bicycle, which made commuting a trifle easier.

He became a champion apprentice and quickly converted to professional jockeying through sheer dedication. With barely a pause, he rose higher and higher in the profession, riding at Doncaster, Sandown, Ayr, and other reputable courses in England.His first win was with Palmeto and he says he cannot even begin to describe how good it felt. From then on, the portals opened for him.

He suffered many falls riding in Ireland, which caused much damage to his spine, causing him to stop riding sooner than he would have wanted. He said quitting riding was the most difficult decision he had to make. "I cannot get riding out of my system," he said.

When not working with horses, Coogan enjoys golf and fishing. During Ngong's August break, Coogan has over the years religiously visited his extended family of grandchildren and cousins back in Ireland. His other travels are limited to South Africa.

At Ngong, Coogan will be passing on the reins to Wachira, who was the second champion jockey to Lesley Sercombe at the close of July 2009.

Wachira's personal relationship with Coogan goes beyond professionalism. It is an alliance for which Wachira said he will forever be indebted.

Coogan will however still grace the Ngong racecourse twice annually for a month or so, to oversee operations at the stable. Wachira will continue riding for the Grammaticas.

On the affects of the economic downturn, Coogan said, "There are a handful of new owners, which is good, but the best part is that horse racing in Kenya is spearheaded by hardcore enthusiasts who will never allow it to die due to the sheer love of the sport."

On what advice he would give to young riders, he said, "Never extend horses on the gallops. Just let them canter to build up strength. Leave fast work for competition. That way, they deliver. Each person infuses individual bits of knowledge into their success. There is no single formula.

"But let me tell you, Kenyan trainers are special. They should be awarded medals for training with such limited facilities. It is admirable how any of us manage with only one track."

Coogan and his wife Anne will be leaving Kenya for Ireland next month. Although they are excited about it, it is also quite an emotional time for them but.

"Packing is a nightmare after accumulating so many things. His son Paul is staying on until his contract expires." The other three children are waiting for their parents' arrival at the Curragh.

The Coogans will be missed by the Irish community in the capital where they were active members of the Nairobi Irish Society.