AT one point in the conversation, Tom Hogan reckons there is enough material for a book. There is, and a Hollywood blockbuster to go with it.

Gordon Lord Byron is the horse bought for €2,000 that no-one wanted. He could not be sold on. He was put into training because the owners were stuck with him. Having had difficulties with his hooves, he was close to being put down after breaking a pelvis on his racecourse debut in Roscommon.