BACK home in Ireland, Tom Ryan was always keen on hunting, regularly riding out with the Galway Blazers. It’s a pastime he’s continued in Melbourne with the Oaklands Hunt Club. “I miss it from back home, so its great to just get out. I’ve done it ever since I came out here,” said Ryan.

Based on the northern outskirts of Melbourne, Oaklands provides a great contrast for Ryan, who has some good rides lined up from his Caulfield base where he works with Henry Dwyer. “Caroun is an improving type who won well at Hamilton two weeks ago,” he said of the Irish-bred Montjeu gelding, who was once trained by Alain de Royer-Dupré.

“Second (Fledged) and fourth (Sherer) that day have both come out and won so the form is good. Henry (Dwyer) most likely will send him to the A$100,000 Lafferty Hurdle at Warrnambool (on July 10th) where he’s every chance to get a wet track similar to Hamilton that suits him.”