THE stunning portraits of racing characters by artist David Baird and his acclaimed collection “A Moment in Time” were displayed and later sold at auction at the Hotel Minella on Saturday last in aid of Killusty Pony Show and the Irish Injured Jockeys Fund. All 137 paintings were very generously donated by David with full proceeds going to the two beneficiaries.

The subjects in these paintings were characters, some renowned, and most caught at an equestrian activity, an event, racecourse or at a show.

The event was conducted by auctioneer Michael Ryan, from Cashel, whose enthusiasm and skill kept the room engaged and the bids flowing.

Michael Higgins and his team of Alisha McCormack and Nicole Murtagh from the Irish Injured Jockeys Fund, Hilary O’Connor, Theresa Kinane, Nicola Everard and Pat Culligan Chairman of Killusty Pony Show were involved from the start and masses of research took place in the weeks before hand, discovering who some of the characters were and trying to contact friends and family, as most of the images had been captured at events years ago.

A collection of committed Killusty committee members were on hand to assist and make sure everything ran smoothly.

There was a great atmosphere in the room with approximately 150 people present with bids coming from those as well as on the phone and online. As always, the Hotel Minella played their part really well with excellent food and refreshments and the venue looking fabulous.

Moments

Among the many memorable moments of the night was Clive Washbourne, known for his good-humoured ringside antics, who was bidding by phone via one of the event’s organisers, Hilary O’Connor, following a busy week buying yearlings.

He successfully secured a portrait of himself for €3,500, prompting applause from the audience and capturing the spirit that defined the evening.

The online timed auction also proved a major success, allowing bidders from across Ireland and abroad to participate. A portrait of the late Edward O’Grady realised an impressive €5,500, reflecting the generosity with which people bidding on the night displayed in abundance.

Auctioneer Michael Ryan commented: “It was a privilege to be part of such a positive and uplifting occasion. The atmosphere in the room was electric from start to finish, and the bidding reflected the strong sense of goodwill that exists within the racing and equestrian community, in particular for the Irish Injured Jockeys. I would like to thank the Nallen family for hosting us, Michael Higgins of The Irish Injured Jockeys, his staff and The Killusty Pony Show team”

The total funds raised are still to be finalised but will ensure continued support for Irish Injured Jockeys and help sustain the Killusty Pony Show, a cherished tradition in the Tipperary equestrian calendar.