WHEN Jonty Evans stepped out onto the tarmac at Dublin Airport last month, it was a milestone moment, and one that marked his first return to Irish soil since his life-changing fall at Tattersalls eight months ago. The short journey across from England was tough both physically and mentally for the Olympian, but one that Evans was determined to make and described as a “no brainer”.

The occasion that had propelled him into undertaking the trip was to attend the David Foster Injured Riders Ball at the Johnstown Estate in Co Meath, specifically to give thanks to the organisers of the fund which has played such a major part in his recovery. His brave and inspirational speech on the night came from the heart, and epitomised the very purpose of the evening.