MANY years ago I was called upon by Mary Fitzgerald to talk to ‘students’ at UCD and UL on the subject of sales companies and their place in the world of horseracing. For seven years Mary coordinated the course which was aimed at giving those on the fringes of racing, or with an interest in learning about the business and sport, an insight into its many diverse aspects.

I know many people whose interest and involvement in racing was fuelled by the course. Since it ended there has been a gap in the market for something similar. After too long a gap, it is Mary herself who has done something about it and in February the course is back.