PAT Breen says he has been overwhelmed by texts and calls since he and his daughter Sarah rode in the same race at Tramore last Friday night.

A postman from Youghal in Cork, Pat is in his mid-50s and has been involved in racing for decades. Aged 29, his riding career was apparently cut short when he was kicked by a horse. He has continued to own and train a couple in his spare time, but never gave up on the idea of making a return to the saddle.

Inspired by the achievement of neighbour Liam Burke - who rode a winner aged 66 two years ago - Pat decided to reapply for his licence when Sarah, a first-year college student, applied for hers.

“It was never the plan for us to ride in the same race,” he said. “But we have these two horses at the moment and the race at Tramore wasn’t filling, so I put them both in it. I don’t think Sarah could really believe until she saw me walk into the parade ring in the silks.”

After being interviewed on Racing TV, they both got around safely and Pat’s phone has been hopping since. “People I haven’t heard from in 30 years got in touch, it’s unbelievable but it’s great. There’s a lot of goodwill out there.”

Sarah is studying business and hopes to work in the industry. The Breens certainly pulled off a remarkable achievement, but was it a record? Have a father and daughter ever ridden in the same race before? Pat reported: “Someone told us Willie and Rosemary Rooney did it, but we can’t find any record of it.” Over to you, readers.