On Tuesday week (July 28th) RTE will broadcast a documentary entitled The Long Shot. It is a most appropriately named programme as it gives a great insight into the world of racing, the ups and downs of the sport, and one man’s plan to achieve success.

David Keoghan was himself a successful athlete and enjoyed the thrill of a Royal Ascot win with Lolly For Dolly. Buoyed by that success, and the proceeds of her sale, he went to battle and invested in six yearlings, with the dream of Group 1 success a motivating factor. For many people involved in racing just getting a winner is enough, but Keoghan’s instinctive competitiveness is evident in the story.

That said, the six yearlings purchased actually resulted in four winners, though one of them was not for Keoghan but rather in the Czech Derby! This was quite an impressive return of 66%, even if the experiment didn’t result in a financial profit for the investor.

As a realistic picture of racehorse ownership it is an honest portrayal, and also shows the trials and strains of training them. The horses were all placed in training with the Stacks and the programme is dedicated to Lucy who features throughout.

Getting rich by owning racehorses is certainly not guaranteed, but when it goes right it should be celebrated. This programme shows the possibilities.

The highs and lows of racehorse ownership surely only come second however to the human condition. We are reminded of this when we think of Lucy and also the trials and tribulations of our newest columnist, Robbie McNamara.

In his first column (see page A19) he talks about his present condition and his prospects. We wish him well as he works towards recovery and his tenaciousness and honesty is to be admired. His humour is not diminished as you will see in his piece on Brian Toomey and he himself is inspired by the young rider’s miraculous comeback. Now Robbie too can dream of what the future will bring.

Owners are so key in the sport of racing. Without them we would have no racing. That said, when measured against the frailty of the human condition, and the risks that riders face every day in the sport, a winner is something to treasure and enjoy, while losing is not the end of the world. We should remember this every time we watch a race.