THIS is a busy time of year for Tony Kennedy in his ‘day job’ but the Co Meath event rider had little hesitation in heading to Pau in south western France last week to compete in his first four-star event with the one-eyed gelding Westeria Lane.

Accompanied by his veterinary surgeon father Con, who is well-known in both the thoroughbred and sport horse industries, Tony finished as the highest-placed Irish rider at the event which was no mean achievement as Westeria Lane is his sole international mount. In fact, since he moved on to horses in 2009, the Meath man has only ever had two other rides around a novice track, all his other horses competing at training or pre-novice level.

In partnership with Con, Tony is running the family’s Reesk Farm outside Ratoath where, having finished with the yearling market, they are currently prepping 20 foals for the upcoming sales. He also helps neighbour Brian O’Neill with his sales consignments. “While it would be nice just to concentrate on eventing, it’s the thoroughbreds who keep the place going,” says the practical 23-year-old. “I did the National Stud course and love the bloodstock game. I get those horses done first and then ride in the evenings.”

Kennedy’s continues the link with racing when it comes to Westeria Lane’s fitness as he works the 12-year-old Rantis Diamond bay on Gordon Elliott’s gallop.