THE subjects of our stable visits this week are two trainers who are both Dubliners, but from different generations. John Richardson, now 60, grew up near Drumcondra, but spent every spare moment of his youth at the sprawling Portmarnock Raceway complex. Calvin Broughan (22) hails from Cabra, where his family have a successful coach hire company.
John has for some time been the main trainer at the compact but well-appointed Meadowbranch Stud at Ballyboughal. Calvin works in the shadow of 66-year-old Christy ‘Hopper’ Foran, small in stature, big in reputation, and based north of Ashbourne. Both men have a strong hand for the impending new season. The first meeting is scheduled for May 3rd at Annaghmore.
John Richardson calls a spade a spade. He couldn’t name a highlight from 2025, having his quietest season for some time. ‘JR’, as he is known to all, still drove 11 winners, but when you have been champion driver more than 20 times, quiet seasons don’t sit well.
“I’ve been saying for some time that we needed to replenish stock. I’m pleased to say that my owners bought three in Harrisburg (large sale in Pennsylvania) and I’m going into 2026 with some really well-bred stock from that sale and other sources.
“Harrisburg is some sale. I’ve been a few times. You need to do your homework before you go and concentrate on horses within your budget. The breeders send out videos of the youngsters trotting and pacing in big paddocks. I really liked one filly from her video, but when I saw her in the flesh, she was only a pony.”
On a sad note, John has three in that were raised at Hanover Shoe Farms. Their advertising rightly proclaims, ‘The greatest name in harness racing’. The fabled stud lost 12 horses and a building in a fire on April 12th. Sympathies go to Russell Williams, Jim Simpson and team.
Take It Back Hanover (USA )
2yo g Pappi Rob Hanover - Take That Hanover
He has been pacing well, but we gelded him lately as he was a bit coltish. He’s 15.2 already. All these Yank two-year-olds are staked up for the IHRA juvenile races and the VDM. He is shared between Joe Sheridan, Alan Davies of Wolverhampton and Meadowbranch.
Catch My Halo
Hanover (USA)
2yo f Pappi Rob Hanover - Crooked Halo
The same syndicate own this filly. So far, so good - but they all look well going slow. The sire has produced a few 1.48 performers.
Martina’s The Knive (USA)
2yo g Lazarus - Remember When
Some unusual name. Another from Harrisburg. He belongs to Clive Richardson (no relation). He is an entire. He was nice to break and good all along. The sire was a champion in New Zealand and the States.
Meadowbranch Adios (Ire)
5yo g Sweet Lou - Meadowbranch Millie
He is on the comeback trail. He won in 2.01 as a three-year-old, but then got injured. He is owned by Alan Davies, who is great to train for, he leaves you to it. He’ll start off in the low grades.
Meadowbranch Adira (Ire)
3yo f Cattlewash - Meadowbranch Millie
I’ve had a few Cattlewash youngsters and I like them. She’s the first horse I ever had that came down with selenium poisoning.
It turns out the grass she was on did create problems. It affected her mane and coat and she regrew the tissue of her feet. Maybe all her bad luck has come early.
CALVIN Broughan was champion apprentice in 2021. He was quick to pay compliments to his mentors when contacted during the week. “Christy Foran has taught me so much. He is a great horseman; people wouldn’t believe the things he thinks of. Clive Kavanagh is a great owner and was willing to give a young driver like me a chance, even putting me on The Professor at Tir Prince, my first drive in Britain.
“Making Memories winning nine out of nine last year was special. Christy told me what to do and it worked. Myself, Hopper, Clive and Tony McEnroe make a great team.”
Making Memories (Ire)
4yo g So Lovely Girl - Brasilia Match
He was my main winner last season and was unbeaten in his age group. I am so proud of him, as he is my first home-bred. We might go to an open bridle this year. He is stronger this season, but there are a few of his age that needed more time, so might be harder to beat this time around. He has a great head for racing.
Gentleman D’Alesa (Fr)
10yo g Unique Quick - Vespa De Pommes
A very fast horse. He came in late in 2024. He always gives his all in a race. He won two last year and we fancied him on his final run, but a shoe came off and injured him. He is over that issue now. He gets a grade drop as he turned 10.
Kaos De La Kote (Fr)
6yo g Cash And Go - Spicy Jet
We train for Jim and Ciara Galway, great allies of Hopper. He is a maiden. We have altered a lot of equipment on him. He is the one hot head in the stable - he can be a handful. I think he will be best over a mile and a half.
The Professor (GB)
7yo g Art Professor - Pan Alla Vodka
He is well-bred. Again he tries his heart out for you. He shows up every week and is lovely to drive. He doesn’t get the credit he deserves.
Shes Hungry (USA)
4yo m Stay Hungry - Keystone Dawn
She won two with the owner driving and went 1.59 at Tir Prince with Patrick Kane. This mare was a bit hot, but she has calmed down a lot. She is in a tough division, but will hold her own.
San Sebastian (Ire)
4yo g Bolt The Duer - Tiffany Modesto
This is a sentimental story. We train for the family of the late Alan Richardson. He is out of a trotting mare and was the last horse The Iceman bred. He is doing everything right, although we started late with him.