AS ever, the festival had its moments of sadness and two that particularly stood out related to amateur riders of distinction, both from Co. Limerick. On the first day of the meeting the National Hunt Chase was run in memory of J.T McNamara. The presentation was made by the late jockey’s wife Caroline and their three children who rightly received a prolonged round of applause. The race was won by Tiger Roll, masterfully ridden by Lisa O’Neill.

Extraordinarily the horse’s last win was in October’s Munster National, which was also run in memory of John Thomas. I believe that the Cheltenham executive entertained the McNamara family in the Royal Box for the day and I am sure that their fortitude was as appreciated there as much as it has been by the wider racing world.