Tempus fugit is a Latin phrase, usually translated into English as ‘time flies’. It is certainly a truism and, on a number of fronts, I am reminded of that fact this week.

After 25 weeks I have the final column in a series commissioned by the Irish National Stud to celebrate the establishment in 1971 of their hugely reputable Thoroughbred Stud Management Course.

What a success that has been and, as much as I have enjoyed catching up with some of its best alumni, it pains me to leave so many out. This was a series that could have run for years and years.

It cannot be stressed enough how many industry leaders in Ireland, Britain, Europe, the USA and in the southern hemisphere have graduated from Tully. All former students speak in unison when it comes to the importance that the course had in their career development. That is as true today as it has been over half a century.

I also learned, with great sadness, this week of the death of Des Vere Hunt. The Garraun Stud owner bred many good horses over a great many years, and I was especially pleased 10 years ago when, along with Jack Ronan, he was named the Connolly’s Red Mills/The Irish Field Breeder of the Year.

That was for Cape Blanco, and I vividly recall Des coming up to me at Leopardstown on September 7th three years earlier, the day New Approach and Lush Lashes won the Champion and Matron Stakes, to tell me about this special colt by Galileo he had going to Goffs.

He said he was the best he had ever bred. Demi O’Byrne paid €330,000 for the colt who was among the top 10 yearlings at the sale.

I knew Des previously from selling at Ballsbridge Sales, and he was a gentleman to meet. A full appreciation will be published next week.

This weekend I will leave Ireland for the first time since March 2020. Again, this is a reminder of the long time it has been since the outbreak of the pandemic that was to engulf the world. The memories of being at Cheltenham, the fear of the unknown, and the resulting chaos come flooding back.

Thankfully we are in a better place now, and I look forward to seeing many industry colleagues, clients and friends during my sojourn throughout England, viewing some stallions and attending The Henry Cecil Open Weekend in Newmarket on the 18th and 19th.