BETTER known as breeders of sport horses under their ‘Graf’ banner, Brian and Shirley Livingstone dabbled briefly in the thoroughbred world and last Sunday had the immense satisfaction of seeing one of their stock, Some Plan, win a Grade 1 race at Leopardstown.

Four horses started in the Arkle Novice Chase but only the David Russell-partnered Some Plan was still standing at the finish, two of his rivals having unseated early, while Royal Caviar, who was a length up at the time, fell at the final fence. “We watched the race on television and, while it would have been a better finish if the other fellow had stood up, it’s all about jumping,” said Banbridge-based Brian. “The horse is now a Grade 1 winner and no one can take that from him.