IN a horse race, no matter how many runners compete, there is generally only one winner. More owners go home disappointed than overjoyed, but there is always tomorrow. And that sums up our great sport and industry. Racing and breeding is full of dreams.

For that reason the days of victory and glory are special and there was no shortage of magic moments in 2015. I was asked to speak about my sporting highlights for the year on a radio station in Cork recently and, reflecting on the year, I thought it would be nigh impossible to select just one in racing. I was wrong. For sheer drama, emotion and joy combined there was surely no moment like Thunder And Roses winning the Boylesports Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse.

Less than five months after the death of Dessie Hughes, his daughter Sandra sent Thunder And Roses with Katie Walsh on board to contest one of the season’s toughest races, and the combination came home to a glorious success in the colours of Gigginstown House Stud. The welcome that awaited them in the winner’s enclosure said it all. No words were needed. The race itself holds a special place in the hearts of both the Hughes and Walsh families and to see these two racing dynasties combine to win it was special. The Irish Grand National, like its counterpart at Aintree, has a habit of writing special stories. Few can better the one this year.

Some lows

While there are plenty of reasons to celebrate the past year, there have been the lows also. While not wishing to dwell on these, and the three people I will mention would not wish for that, the world of racing said goodbye to three men who were outstanding exponents of their craft. My predecessor at The Irish Field Val Lamb, the Voice of Racing Sir Peter O’Sullevan and the exceptional scribe Alan Lee are gone. Racing owes each of them so much, but remembering their exceptional contribution will mean so much to their families and friends.

Greetings

Finally, may I wish a very happy and healthy Christmas and New Year to you all.