PAT Hoare’s Moylough Ambassador got ahead of the Christmas gift season as Laura May Tarpey found out recently when a parcel, containing a hatbox and ‘hoof-written’ note, arrived in the post. The pair notched up several high-speed laps of Dublin’s Ring 1 last August when the Moylough Legacy colt finished in the ribbons and appears to have put his prize money to good use.

“He has since reflected and shown remorse in the way of a new hat for next year’s endeavours! The hat was an online purchase on Ambassador’s behalf by his human guardian Kate [Hoare, Pat’s daughter]!” Laura May said. “And as for his future, Pat and Kate are hoping he will fill the big shoes of his father Moylough Legacy in Ring 1!”