JUST the right kind of Christmas story with the news that former jump jockey Martin Ferris and trainer Hilary McLoughlin have decided to get engaged.

After Martin posted a smashing photo on social media of them both with champagne, captioned SHE SAID YES many well-wishers commented that it was not before time!

Martin retired from the saddle in 2016 and assists Hilary at their Thurles, Co Tipperary stables. They have had eight winners so far, six on the flat and two over jumps. Highlight of 2020 on the track was when Chocquinto won a Curragh maiden at 150/1 in July.

Robbie and Ellen look forward to the big day

… the champagne was flowing too at the home of Godolphin Ireland boss Joe Osborne, whose son Robbie became engaged to Dr Ellen Butler from Rathgar, Co Dublin.

Golf calling

BEST wished to Margaret Lundy who recently retired from Moyglare Stud where she held the fort as office manager. Margaret, well-known within the industry, previously worked at the Phoenix Park Racecourse and later at Goffs and for the past 16 years was at the helm at the Maynooth stud.

A keen golfer, Margaret is hoping that courses will reopen soon as she intends to play as much as possible.