The death on Saturday of the Queen Mother was felt by all jump racing fans. She was an enthusiastic supporter of national hunt racing throughout her long life and had several runners in Ireland.
The Queen Mother was on hand to see her horse Laffy win the 1962 Ulster National and she was also successful on these shores when John Oxx's father trained her filly Mascara to win over two miles at Baldoyle in 1971. Norman Conqueror ran in her colours in the 1966 Irish Grand National, but was pulled up lame before the final fence.
The annual Flat Trainers' awards lunch took place at the Keadeen Hotel in Newbridge on Thursday. Minister Joe Walsh was on hand to dish out the prizes and as usual a broad cross-section of the sport was in attendance.
The achievements of the all conquering Ballydoyle team were recognised with Aidan O'Brien (leading trainer), Sue Magnier (leading owner) and Michael Kinane (special jockey award) collecting prizes, though of that trio only the latter was on hand to receive his award.
Jim Bolger was gracious in his acceptance of a 'Hall of Fame' award. He appears to have mellowed with the passing of time and joked that the next thing that he will receive is a zimmer-frame. For a man who fought so hard to reach the top of his chosen profession he has accepted the declining fortunes of his string with dignity.
Pat Smullen picked up the leading flat jockey award for the second consecutive year. Tadgh O'Shea was leading apprentice and the most improved apprentice award went to Pat Cosgrave.
All-weather racing is now high on the list of priorities for HorseRacing Ireland. Chief Executive Brian Kavanagh, having contacted each existing track, has a short-list of five possible venues for the new facility. The tracks interested in building an all-weather track are Fairyhouse, Naas, Limerick, Tipperary and the presently derelict Dundalk. Kavanagh, however, was at pains to point out that a green-field site was also a possibility.
There appears to be two schools of thought as to what type of all-weather facility is required. Many are looking to the all-weather to provide an outlet for the lesser lights, while John Magnier and co. are thinking more of a Breeders Cup style complex that can attract the highest level of performer from America and beyond.
Whether or not one all-weather track can meet both requirements is not certain, but with Government backing it does seem certain that the idea will reach fruition.
Barry Geraghty was, according to his doctor, not well enough to travel to London on Thursday to attend an appeal against his Cheltenham suspension. The Jockey Club stewards were left with no option but to postpone the hearing, leaving Geraghty free to partner Alexander Banquet in next weekend's Aintree Grand National.
It was somewhat surprising to see Barry Geraghty engaged to ride at Cork on Saturday. Unable to fly for one hour to London on Thursday, but ok to drive for three hours to Cork 48 hours later and ride three horses.
The long-awaited move by the Tote into the high-street finally got off the ground on Saturday when a pilot scheme began in 19 betting offices in the Cork area. It will take some time before relevant figures emerge from this venture, but all the major bookmaking chains have expressed interest and it may secure the long-term survival of the Tote.
Kieran Fallon made his first visit to Cork racecourse on Sunday since his days with Kevin Prendergast, but the trip did not bear fruit when his two mounts finished out of the money.
