THERE are not enough hours in the day for Louise Lyons who, as a mother of three children, combines family life with training racehorses in the mornings and coaching riders in showing, working hunter competitions and eventing in the afternoons and at weekends.

Last Thursday week, as spectators returned en masse to the racecourse in Ireland, Louise saddled Kells Priory to win the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle at Gowran in the hands of Richie Condon. The five-year-old Valirann gelding, who was recording his first success on his ninth start, runs in the colours of the locally based Bulls Eye Syndicate having previously raced for Louise’s partner, Nicky Teehan.

“It was so great to have a winner at our local racecourse on such a big occasion as Thyestes Day,” said Louise who represented Ireland many times in eventing, most notably on Watership Down at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Hong Kong. “The presence of a huge crowd, family and friends made it a really special experience.

“I use my eventing knowledge to help with the racehorses’ fitness, correct jumping method and way of going while Nicky’s expertise is race planning, taking the horses away to work, pedigrees, etc. It really is a partnership as we bounce ideas off one another. It’s hard juggling everything but I’m really enjoying it and am happy to expand and take on more horses to train.

“During the summer, I hopefully will be back on the working hunter circuit. I did as many shows as I could last year with the home-bred Dartans Big Bird (2016 mare by Harlequin du Carel – Red Light, by Cavalier Royale), who had a very successful season, and am looking forward to producing her four-year-old half-sister, Dartans Red Mission (by Orestus) this year.

“These days my own outings in the saddle are somewhat curtailed as our three children – Nancy (eight), Robin (six) and Nicky George (five) all love showing and are members of the North Kilkenny Branch of the Irish Pony Club. They are also very keen on racing, especially Nancy, and really enjoyed themselves at Gowran.”