FORTY years ago tomorrow, give or take a day, Tom Busteed was riding at the West Waterford point-to-point in Tallow where, on board Abbey Flyer, he finished second in the opening hunt maiden, beaten three lengths by the Nicky Dee-partnered Barney Lad.

The Cork commentator still retains his competitive spirit and, for a long time last Sunday, it looked as if he was going to win the 70cms Derby Cross final at Maryville Equestrian Centre. Riding the borrowed 20-year-old chesnut gelding Laddie, Tom set an excellent time but, as at Tallow in 1978, he had to settle for the runner-up position, on this occasion behind the league winner, Christine Mendez.