THE front cover of the racecard proclaimed “The Boys Are Back In Town”, prior to the John Shortt Legends Challenge, at Punchestown on Thursday afternoon. Despite the inclement weather conditions a large crowd turned out to see the action unfold and they were treated to a fantastic spectacle.

From midday the friends and family of the late John Shortt began to gather in the La Touche Restaurant, taking shelter from the wind and rain that battered the Co Kildare track. The guest list read like a who’s

who of Irish racing, with National Hunt and flat stars coming together to celebrate the life of the former jockey.

The first racegoers arrived soon after, excited at the prospect of seeing both the equine stars of the future and human stars of the past strut their stuff. Grey skies were the order of the day as droplets of rain fell intermittently and autumn leaves blew across the tarmac. Nonetheless, the conditions failed to dampen the spirits of a large crowd who gathered in anticipation outside the weighing room.

Paul Carberry, already donned in the Monksland silks, sat chatting with his family just beside the main door. He was warmly greeted by trainer Arthur Moore - the oldest competitor in the race. Front-running grey chaser, Ballycasey, was the first horse to arrive into the parade ring, quickly followed by a host of rivals.

Pre-race favourite Pallasator arrived with a reputation as a troublesome sort but gave no indications of being a wayward soul. It was as if he read the script; on his best behaviour despite being one of the last into the ring. Then just as the digital clock high above the weigh-room struck 13.11, Lorcan Wyer led the veteran jockeys out from the inner sanctum through the applauding crowd. Although the advertised racing weight was 12 stone, it was quite evident that one or two may have had to put up a couple of pounds overweight!

Gordon Elliott, Noel Meade and Michael Halford shared a joke in the packed parade ring as Pat Healy captured the moment for posterity. Despite the presence of legends such as Mick Kinane, Charlie Swan, Norman Williamson and Graham Bradley, it was local man and Clerk Of The Course Brendan Sheridan who received the biggest cheer when his name was called out on the public address system.

The race itself went largely as expected with the high class Pallasator proving far too strong for his 15 opponents. Jockey Norman Williamson had time to raise his whip and play to the crowd as he came home eight lengths in front. Post race the Cork born rider admitted he was thrilled to win as it was the first time his young kids had seen him in action. Philip Dempsey had stated in midweek that he was worried about the slagging he would get from his offspring but he needn’t have been concerned as he partnered Tiger Roll to finish second. Ger Lyons was clearly impressed as he patted Dempsey on the back telling him “you haven’t lost it”. Winning trainer Gordon Elliott confirmed that Pallasator had “schooled real well” over hurdles before quipping that he “wouldn’t be coming out of retirement”.

A recording of Shortt winning the 1993 Glenlivet Hurdle, aboard the Jimmy Coogan trained Titled Dancer, preceded the post racing auction. Nick Nugent took charge of proceedings as a number of items were auctioned off to help raise much needed funds. Among the highlights were a year’s training fees with Jessica Harrington – which was kindly purchased by Patrick Cooper for €25,000 – a similar prize with Michael Halford which sold for €22,000, and a Private Jet Trip To Cheltenham on which Nugent dropped the hammer at €20,000. Coolmore added a late addition of two Breeders’ Cup tickets which sold for €3,100, while Jim Bolger, not to be outdone, donated two All-Ireland Football Final tickets. The latter prize, which Nugent joked was in the “all you can drink section” of Croke Park, was knocked down to Ger Lyons for €3,500.

How to support John Shortt

JOHN Shortt died in February, on his 53rd birthday, following a long battle with cancer.

The Kilkenny-born former jockey retired from the saddle in 1998 after riding approximately 350 winners. One of his biggest wins came aboard the Jessica Harrington-trained Space Trucker in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle in 1996. They went on to finish third in the 1997 Champion Hurdle, behind Make A Stand.

Also in 1996, he won the Champion Novice Hurdle at the Punchestown Festival aboard Dance Beat for Space Trucker’s connections, and he enjoyed success at the 1993 Aintree meeting aboard the Jimmy Coogan-trained Titled Dancer.

Before he passed away, John purchased a plot of land on which to build a family home for his wife Anne Marie and daughter Alex. His closest friends promised him that the racing community would finish the job. Your donation, however small, would be hugely appreciated,

Web: gofundme.com/john-shortts-legends-day

Bank: J Shortt Legends Race, Bank Of Ireland, Main Street, Clonmel, Co Tipperary

Acc: 41550121

Sort: 90-60-05

IBAN: IE16BOFI90600541550121

BIC: BOFIIE2D

Cheque: Made payable to ‘J Shortt Legends Race’ and send to Richie Galway, Punchestown Racecourse, Naas, Co Kildare