ONE of the exciting things about racing is the fact that the scene changes so much from year to year with new horses, new owners and new young trainers waiting in the wings, ready to beckon our attention as the season unfolds. This year, according to the Sporting Chronicle’s Horses In Training 1970, there are more horses in our Irish stables than ever before.

The Prendergasts, Paddy and his sons, Kevin and Paddy junior, have between them 153 animals in their charge. Kevin has increased his string from 47 to 61 this year; he has 29 two-year-olds to look after, only three less than his father, and young Paddy has 12 among his string of 32 horses at Melitta Lodge.