ON the back of the Meath Hunt’s hunter performance and horse shows, the latest initiative - the Meath Hunt Derby - is the brainchild of former huntsman John Henry, Karl Smyth, Nicola Ennis Smyth, Pat Dillon and their team. It was held over a new and imaginative course, built by Eugene O’Neill, known for his association with Tattersalls.

It attracted over 100 competitors from teenagers to one gentleman who is over three score and 10, and sponsorship from over 40 organisations and individuals including jockeys and former jockeys. True to the spirit in the hunt, a donation from the proceeds of over €5,000 was made to The Injured Jockeys Fund, accepted by former champion jockey Paul Carberry who also took part in the event, as did his daughter Kacey Lou. This is in addition to €45,000 already distributed to local charities and health-related organisations.