A POIGNANT tweet was posted by Brian Kavanagh, CEO of HRI during the week: “Remembered our much missed colleague Regina Sharpe this morning by opening a little Regina ballerina garden in the office.’’

Brian explained to The Irish Field: “Regina was a longtime member of staff here in reception up to seven years ago and before that worked for the Irish Horseracing Authority.

“After retirement she helped out Punchestown at the festival. She was a great character and loved by everyone. She passed in February.

“Regina knew everyone in racing and was a great first contact for the organisation. We all miss her here. When Mark O’ Hanlon died we planted a little garden for him with a memorial bench and now we have done the same for Regina.

“Gerry McNamee, one of our staff here, created a garden for her and we had a little opening ceremony on Monday. She is probably laughing at us but that’s the way to remember her, with a smile on her face.”