Norman Butler

Norman de Butler was a sportsman and international polo player, born on 2 December 1918 and raised and educated in England, France and Italy. He studied at Oriel College, Oxford, and excelled at rugby, athletics and swimming at school and university. He played polo internationally in England, Argentina and the United States, often alongside Prince Philip at Cowdray Park and Guards Polo Club. He was also a thoroughbred owner and breeder: in 1972 his horse Pidget won the Irish 1,000 Guineas, the Irish St. Leger and the Pretty Polly Stakes. He bought Kilboy Castle in County Tipperary in 1962 as a winter home and base for his stables, and he died on 8 October 2011.