THERE are many people who contribute to a racehorse’s success along the way, whether it’s at Ballinrobe or Cheltenham. Celebrating the breeders, who are the first link in the chain of success, is always a pleasure so hats off to Josephine O’Callaghan, breeder of Cole Harden, new World Hurdle champion at Cheltenham for trainer Warren Greatrex and young jockey Gavin Sheehan.

Josephine, who works alongside her husband on their picturesque dairy and beef farm in Kilworth, Co Cork takes up the story: “My father bred horses after my parents were given one as a wedding present 50 years ago. We had the line down the years and a good one is thrown up every generation. Mr Nosie was another winner I bred. I put Nosie Betty (Cole Harden’s dam) in foal to Westerner. He hasn’t been very fashionable til recently but he’s a good solid sire. I usually sell them as foals but I couldn’t sell the foal (Cole Harden) so brought him back to the Derby Sale and sold him there.’’

As well as the farm, Josephine has a part-time job and a family of two girls so no better example of asking a busy person…

And the next step is? “Unfortunately, Nosie Betty is dead but I have a half-sister to Cole Harden in foal to Westerner and I have invested in a nice brood mare by King’s Theatre.’’

The story continues.

Sheikh Fahad to walk the walk

THE charity race at Limerick Racecourse on Saturday, April 25th in aid of Irish Injured Jockeys, has added some distinguished participants to the ranks in Sheikh Fahad Al Thani and former champion jockey turned trainer, Johnny Murtagh. Local hoteliers Bryan and Hugh Murphy of the Dunraven Arms will also take part with other entrants to follow.

Sheikh Fahad, a patron of Irish Injured Jockeys, has been riding out and training hard to get fit for the race. Last year Sheikh Fahad ran the London marathon along with six trainers who train for his Qatar Racing operation. All proceeds from the Limerick race will go to Irish Injured Jockeys and each rider will have to raise a minimum of €1,000. Details can be found at www.irishinjuredjockeys.com.

Ruby Walsh, chairman of the Irish Injured Jockeys charity commented: “We are thrilled that the race has received such interest and support and we’re really looking forward to it. The maximum field we can cater for is 14 runners so based on entries we might have to run two divisions on the day with a potential fundraising prospect of €28,000 which would be a great result for our injured riders.”

The charity raceday will also honour multiple-champion jockeys Tim and Martin Molony, the Limerick brothers who dominated the Irish and British racing scene in the 1940-50s. A statue of the Molony brothers by Dublin-sculptor Paul Ferriter will be unveiled on the day. Peter Molony (son of Martin Molony) of Rathmore Stud said: “Having Sheikh Fahad involved has added a whole new dimension to the raceday and it’s fantastic that he is lending his support by taking part. I am looking forward to riding in the race also on what will be a special day for the Molony family.”

Tickets are available at www.limerickraces.ie.