AS the contents built up by the Gaisford St Lawrence family at Howth Castle over 800 years were dispersed this week, one of the fabulous items for sale was this magnificent Victorian silver trophy cup, by Robert Garrard 1848 London.

The description reads: “The ornate cover finial with stylized fox heads above a coronet and four tongues centred with medallions “The Curragh Whip” won by Rat-trap, 1847”, on an ornate vase shaped stem on a serpentine shaped circular base with grotesque masks”. Unsurprisingly it reached €7,500. Let’s hope it has gone to a good home.

Eat your heart out current owners! Though of course all sponsors no doubt do their level best with their on-going generousity in support of Irish racing.

THANKS to all who entered last week’s competition (page 6) for tickets to both days of Longines Irish Champions Weekend. The correct answer was that there are six Group 1 races run over the two days. Our winner is Philip Robinson from Wicklow Town. Thanks to HRI for the prize.

MONDAY (September 13th, non-racing day) is the day of the Pat Smullen Golf Classic in aid of the Drogheda Memorial Fund, which offers permanent or temporary relief for trainers and riders.

Killeen Castle, Dunsany, Co Meath is the course - €1,000 per team of four (Stableford) (includes dinner) or sponsor a tee box for €15.

Please contact: Donal O’Shea 045-445600, donal.oshea@ihrb.ie, or Marianne Waters 045-445605, marianne.waters@ihrb.ie. Or please contact a DMF committee member: Michael Grassick 087-2588770, Jimmy Lenehan 087-6973000, David Power 087 2412311, Caroline Fitzpatrick 087 2759031, Caroline Corballis 086 0873355.