JIMMY Cooke. This name stood for 92 years of colour, ‘craic’ and commitment to all things equine. A man who had acquired legendary status among those who knew him and among those who didn’t but had heard the stories. “It was an honour to know Jimmy” became a repeated phrase amongst the hundreds of people who came to the removal and funeral, but it was a truly special gift to be related to him. Ned Campion described Jimmy as a “great gentleman and horseman”.

A very recent and solid piece of advice to us from a man who gave his life to his two greatest loves - horses and his family - was “people don’t realise, horses can make the most loyal and intelligent of friends. The key is to listen to their story and see them and be kind to them. They will be your greatest partner if you stop and take time to listen. A touch of a hand here, a gentle pull on the rein like this, and a packet of polos. They are always my trick. Life’s full of time, the key is patience, you need to slow it down and don’t rush. Take it all in”.