DO you recall that Eddie O’Leary bought a visit to the Willie Mullins yard at Pat Smullen’s Cancer Trials auction in September? It caused plenty of raised eyebrows at the time as the O’Learys had parted company with Mullins three years earlier.

It looks like Eddie cashed in his voucher last Monday as pictures on social media revealed that he and his wife Wendy, and their son Jack (home from America) were accompanied by Pat Smullen, Gordon Elliott and Joe Foley on a tour of Closutton.

Smuggling in Gordon was of course a masterstroke as the Summerhill trainer could check out exactly what he needs to do to be champion trainer.

Joe Foley reported: “It was Gordon’s first visit to the yard and, as you’d expect, Willie, Jackie and Patrick gave him a great welcome. We spent the whole morning there. The two trainers have the height of regard for each other. Gordon asked plenty of questions and Willie was happy to show him everything. We all ended up in the Lord Bagenal watching the racing from Naas and afterwards Gordon extended an invitation to Willie for the return leg, and I think that will happen in the new year.”

Don’t forget our four-legged friends all year round

SHARON Power in the Irish Horse Welfare Trust has asked us to pass on her thanks and Christmas wishes to all of the IHWT’s many supporters. “We would like to sincerely thank our many sponsors, donors and every supporter for their continued support in 2019,” she said. “The charity can now accept donations directly in its Facebook page and on its website. Even the smallest amount is always appreciated. With your kind help we will continue to help many horses and ponies in need and promote kindness for our lovely four-legged friends.

“We head into 2020 with over 60 equines in care (mainly thoroughbreds) and around 250 out in loan homes.

“For 2020 our aim, along with continuing to care for our many equines, is to greatly reduce or eliminate our farm mortgage and secure the future of the charity farm and the work of the IHWT.”

Web: ihwt.ie