TRAGICALLY the season ended on a very sad note with the loss of Dr John Waldron, the breeder of Champion Hurdler Faugheen, and a true point-to-point enthusiast. He tragically lost his life in a car accident while returning from the Ormond Foxhounds’ fixture at Ballingarry on the penultimate day of the season. Dr Waldron, who was laid to rest on Thursday, had acted as the Doctor on duty at the Ballingarry fixture prior to his death, a role he had carried out at many meetings over the years, making an invaluable contribution to the sport.

Following his loss, we also remember those from within the sport who we have also lost over the course of the season including Cecil Ross and Billy Vance.

Westmeath handler Cecil Ross passed away in November having been a life-long supporter in his role as jockey, trainer, handler and breeder.

His wife Carol and nephew William have continued his legacy, enjoying a number of emotional successes with Goldmineinthesky, a horse named after Cecil’s favourite song and bred by Carol out of An Bonnan Bui, who won three races on the track for Cecil. Goldmineinthesky also provided Cecil’s nephew William with his first track success having been awarded the St Patrick’s Day Down Royal Hunter Chase.

Billy Vance died at the age of 84 in January, and like Cecil he too enjoyed success as a rider, handler, owner and breeder down through the years. He was also heavily involved in the running of the Fermanagh Harriers point-to-point, with that hunt carrying a tribute to Billy in the race card for both days of their meeting at Necarne last month.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.