A VERY special hunting occasion for a very special hunting and racing lady took place last week, when the Ward Union Staghounds met at the Baker family farm at Malahow, Naul, North County Dublin.

Huntsman with the Ward Union Staghounds for the past 38 seasons, Pat Coyle, led the pack and over 50 followers to Alison Baker’s home on the family farm.

Alison, who is now in her 90s, is closely associated with what is the great steeplechaser of all time, Arkle, bred by her mother Mary.

Alison did all the pre-training before Arkle went into training with Tom Dreaper in Killsallaghan, and the rest is history.

Alison is a former master of the Fingal Harriers.

Arkle’s dam Bright Cherry line went on to produce horses like Cherry Tang, Cherry Bud, Savel Beg, Golden Sparkle, Cherry Wine, Cherry Hunter and Clever Cherry.

Alison’s nephew David is joint-master of the Ward Union Hounds.

As the weather was a little chilly, Alison acknowledged this kind gesture by waving to the followers from her conservatory surrounded by paintings, sculptures, and memorabilia of Arkle and other horses she bred, as well as a photo of her with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who especially requested her attending the function in the National Stud on her visit in 2011.

Alison has a special decking feature from her conservatory that takes her down a ramp to the paddock fencing so she can get close to her broodmares.

When I asked her about what horse she would like to own today, she immediately said the King George VI winner Thistlecrack, who has some old traditional breeding on the dam side in Vulgan and Artic Melody.

Alison recently surprised her other nephew, John, when he got married in Castle Leslie in Co Monaghan before Christmas, when she made the journey and arrived in to the wedding breakfast to a standing ovation. She is a delightful lady and great company to be with.