PUNCHESTOWN laid on a private box and refreshments for a group of around 65 retired jockeys and guests last Sunday.

Richie Galway reported: “This was the second year we did this, following a suggestion from Andrew Coonan [secretary of the Irish Jockeys Association]. A lot of the riders had not met up in years, so it was great to see them all racing again.”

Barry Geraghty and Ruby Walsh were among the retirees who posed for a group photo during racing. Richie quipped: “You could tell they were all either jockeys or war veterans, most of them limping across the parade ring, still carrying the scars.”

Andrew Coonan added: “We’re particularly thankful to Punchestown for their support. We had a wonderful turnout, mostly jump jockeys but some flat riders too, a lovely cross-section.

“It was remarkable to see how quickly the riders got straight back into discussions about their times together and racing lives. It was really gratifying to see it. We wanted this to be an opportunity for the riders to reconnect and stay connected with racing and their colleagues.”