BREAKING NEWS

One of my greatest sporting idols who over the years I am blessed to say has become a friend, Noel Meade, reached another milestone in his remarkable training career today when, in winning the concluding handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse, MICKEY COHEN became the 3,000th winner sent out from Tu Va Stables.

The very first of which was the steed after whom his Castletown yard was subsequently named, way back in 1971. When owner/trainer/rider steered his willing partner to a bumper success by the narrowest of margins. The vanquished party on that occasion? One Dermot K. Weld – similar in age to the main protagonist here – riding one for his late father, Charlie.

Since that ground breaking day, Graded, Listed and, yes, Group class winners have poured out of Noel’s base north of Navan. All bedecked in the distinctive green and gold headgear and pre and post race rugs in the green and gold of his – and my – beloved Royal County with NM stamped in bold gold writing near the hind quarters.

Personally, I will never be able to thank him enough for making horse racing the central tenet of my life it is today. If you know, you know, and chances are you do, because it’s been mentioned often enough in this space over the years. To my utmost regret, to date, my long held dream of owning one – or a bit thereof – trained by Noel has gone unfulfilled.

However, as long as steeds trot down to the start representing the great man, that dream will not be given up on. Thankfully, it shows no signs of changing anytime soon. Long may that continue. Congratulations my friend.

More to follow…