Exclusive interview with Ger Lyons

LEADING trainer Ger Lyons airs some strong opinions on racing and bloodstock sales in a video interview which will be published on The Irish Field website at 7pm next Tuesday. This is the second video in a series produced by The Irish Field and the ‘Sunday’ racing organisation.

Anton O’Toole

A PAIR of racing binoculars were brought to the altar at the funeral of former Dublin GAA star and racehorse owner Anton O’Toole this week. The multiple All-Ireland winning footballer passed away last Friday week. He was 68. A minute’s silence was observed in his memory during racing last weekend at Leopardstown, a track where he rarely missed a meeting. The best horse he owned was Majestic Man, a Grade 2 winning hurdler for trainer Peter McCreery.

Plusvital to sponsor Group 3

PLUSVITAL will sponsor the €63,000 Group 3 Ballycorus Stakes at Leopardstown on June 13th.

The equine supplement and genetic testing leaders will also provide a Speed Gene Test and a selection of their scientifically-based supplements for all the runners in their race on the day.

Tiger triumph

GERRY O’Brien has won the Connolly’s Red Mills The Irish Field Breeder of the Month competition for April. He bred dual Grand National winner Tiger Roll.

Galway breeder laid to rest

GALWAY owner-breeder John Fahy passed away peacefully this week in his 87th year. A former Garda and publican in the village of Aughclogeen, he was an enthusiastic racegoer. He is survived by his wife Philomena and their sons Micheál (Galdare Stud) and Mossy (Steepleview Stud), and their families. Micheál is part of the team at Rathbarry Stud.

Two of the best known horses John Fahy was associated with are Lochbuie (Group 2 winner and stallion) and their Cheltenham winner Silk Affair. His funeral Mass took place yesterday.

Alison Baker passes away

THE death has occurred of Alison Mary Baker, the last remaining child of Arkle’s breeder Mary. Alison was in her 100th year, and died peacefully in the presence of her family.

She was a very successful owner and breeder too, and a former Master of the Fingal Harriers.

Her mother bred Arkle, though he was foaled at Ballymacoll Stud by the late Dan Daly. In 1960 at Goffs, trainer Tom Dreaper bought the son of Archive and Bright Cherry for the Duchess of Westminster.

Most famously associated with jockey Pat Taaffe, Arkle won 22 of his 26 chases, including the Cheltenham Gold Cup three times, Hennessy Gold Cup twice, Whitbread Gold Cup, King George VI Chase and the Irish Grand National, before injury ended his career.

Daughter of the late Henry and Mary Baker, Alison was predeceased by her siblings, Dodo, Pidgie, June and Harry.

Her funeral took place on Friday in St Patrick’s Church of Ireland, Donabate.