CONGRATULATIONS to the Irish and UK Amateur Associations and all who rode in the Lorna Brooke Ire v GB Challenge handicap Chase last Tuesday at Fairyhouse.

The competition featured two female and two male jockeys from either side of the Irish Sea with points dictating the first winner for the Lorna Brooke trophy.

The race was staged in honour of Lorna Brooke who tragically died from a fall at Taunton in April of this year. Lorna was a popular amateur jockey who scored her biggest success when winning the first ladies only chase at Fairyhouse in November 2015 on Moonlone Lane for Paul Stafford.

Irish team

Robert Tyner’s Direct Image won the race with Michael O’Sullivan and victory in this challenge went to the Irish team who were on board the first four finishers.

COMING up thick and fast is the annual lunch at the Dorchester Hotel London for the Sir Peter O’Sullevan Charitable Trust on Thursday, November 25th.

An award is made at the lunch of a perpetual bronze in the shape of Peter’s own racing binoculars, sculpted by Janie Beardsall, and is awarded for a lifetime’s contribution to the sport. Already bearing the names of some of the most renowned people in horseracing, this year is the first time an Irish woman will be honoured – Jessica Harrington.

Nick Nugent will sell off eight lots to help swell the funds of the charity which to date has distributed £5 million to racing and welfare between six charities.