LIFETIME racing fan and memorabilia king Nick O’Toole is the organiser behind the recent presentations to retiring popular presenters from RTÉ racing coverage, Tracy Piggott at Gowran Park and Robert Hall at Punchestown.

Nick wants to give special thanks to clerk of the course Paddy Graffin at Gowran Park, who not only made a brave call to let racing go ahead last Saturday morning but also got the jockeys out early before the big race so they had time to pose with Tracy, which meant a lot.

As was noted in the racecard, Tracy was recruited to the RTÉ sports team in 1989 and pioneered woman’s participation in what had been previously a male domain. She also anchored coverage of three Olympic Games as well as the Special Olympic Games and Paralympics and also extended her coverage to include rugby.

A member of the Sports Council, Tracy has worked hard for numerous charities, including a marathon swim across Galway Bay in 1998 which raised £170,000 for a leukaemia charity.

Popularity

Kevin O’Ryan conducted an interview with Tracy, whose popularity with the racing public has been underestimated by RTÉ and many within racing.

Tracy explained: “Yes Nick told me he had arranged to make the presentations and I was very touched. My sister Maureen (Haggas) travelled over the night before which was special, especially as she is so busy, and we had dinner together with my daughter Thea.

“The jockeys and lots of well-wishers signed the card at Gowran and the highlight for me was that Mrs Mullins made the presentation, I was honoured. We were all in a tent because the weather was so bad but Mrs Mullins went out to watch each race, looking immaculate. And what a memory. Maureen couldn’t get over it!

“The print I was given is of Nijinsky’s Derby win which is actually 50 years ago and is signed by my father which is a nice touch.

“I didn’t expect to be so emotional. Davy Russell thanked me for all the years of presenting and interviewing. We go way back as friends.

“It’s the least expected which means so much.

“Afterwards, Nick had booked a table at the Lord Bagenal and we went out with old friends, Sean and Laura and Joanna Morgan and others.

“A lovely day.”