SOMETHING other that shamrock was delivered to President Obama in celebration of St Patrick’s Day this year when Galway-based equine photographer Martina Regan’s specially commissioned portrait of Davy Russell and last year’s Gold Cup winner Lord Windermere was given to him by Henry Healy (President Obama’s eighth cousin from Moneygall, Co Offaly).

Martina was approached to capture on camera the prominence of the thriving horse racing and breeding industry in Ireland. Shot at Jim Culloty’s yard in Churchtown, Mallow, Co Cork, the image shows the Dr Lambe-owned chaser in the perfect pose. Martina explained: “We have a massive pride in horses and horse racing in Ireland. Our bond between horses and people - whether they are professional jockeys, leisure riders or trainers - runs deep and is one which is deeply respected and valued.

“Ireland has always had a strong affinity to horses, from President Obamas’ ancestors using them to travel to church, to the modern day where we have a vibrant racing industry.

“The Celtic symbolism of a horse is one of durability and success and this image of Davy Russell and Lord Windermere symbolises both which Martina has captured perfectly in this portrait I am presenting to President Obama,” said Henry Healy

More information is at www.theequinephotographer.ie.

WEST Cork artist Sara Hodson has an exciting exhibition opening in the Grainstore at Ballymaloe House, Co Cork next Saturday March 28th. An Capall is a celebration of the Irish horse through paintings and drawings of horse fairs, shows and horse racing. It also includes a painting of legendary jockey A.P. McCoy which Sara has donated to raise funds for the Irish Injured Jockey’s Fund.

Sara regularly exhibits in London with the Emile Faurie Foundation and the Society of Equestrian Artists where she is an associate member. This is a wonderful opportunity to view her work. The exhibition will be opened by Peter Curling with a wine reception on Saturday at 7pm.

The silent auction for the painting of A.P. McCoy will conclude on the evening, although bids can be taken online until March 26th and the exhibition continues until April 12th.

For more details www.sarahodson.com. To bid online for the painting for the Irish Injured Jockeys Fund go to www.32auctions.com/APMcCoy.

Curragh competition: Thanks to all who entered our Curragh competition last week for three free memberships for the 2015 season. The winners are: Sean Greaney, Foynes, Co Limerick, Roy Barrett, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, and Vincent Weir, Blackrock, Co Dublin.

Going to Mongolia: Forty-one brave and maybe foolhardy competitors from around the world are ready to tackle the seventh Mongol Derby, the world’s longest horse race at over 1,000km.

The race recreates Chinggis Khaan’s ancient horse messenger system in epic fashion. The hardy and semi-wild native horses of Mongolia reprise their traditional role as the legs and lungs of the adventure and the horse stations, or morin urtuus, will be manned by nomadic herding families as they traditionally were. The messengers themselves will be played by horsemen and adventurers from around the world, all riding up to 160km a day, navigating independently and changing horses at 40 kilometre intervals.

It’s hard, it’s risky, people get injured but people still come back for more. This year Ireland has one rider, the brave Paddy Woods, (51) from Julianstown in Co Meath.

Paddy rode in the 2013 Mongol Derby making it to halfway. He was an amateur jockey, loved Mongolia and is returning to complete the task. The best of luck.

Baby Grundy: Congratulations to Clare Grundy (neé MacMahon) and husband Charlie who had their second baby, Rosie, recently. Big brother Jack is pretty happy too.