VAL O’Connell is possibly one of the best known faces in the organisation of Irish racing through his role in the Turf Club (now named the IHRB) as chief inspector of courses and clerk of the course for half a dozen southern meetings. Perhaps what is less well known is that Val is one the keenest hunting men in these islands.

He has been field-master of the famed Scarteen Hounds in Co Limerick for almost 20 seasons. I am among those who have attempted to follow him on his grey and know what a formidable man he is to cross the country. His current grey was produced by Eamonn Forde and Val spotted him while inspecting Listowel racecourse.