IN a lovely touch by trainer Willie Mullins and owner Stewart Andrew, their Randox Grand National winner Nick Rockett went back to Kilmacthomas last Saturday to parade in the Co. Waterford village where the man he was named after was from, Tyrone Molloy reports.

He is a local horse in every way as he was bred nearby in Stradbally by Kieran Cotter and bought by local horseman Timmy O’Byrne on behalf of his uncle Roger, who promptly named him after his late friend when original trainer Pat Doyle told him he was a good horse.

The Walk In The Park gelding then went on to win a maiden point-to-point at the local meet in Curraghmore.

Accompanied by Patrick Mullins and his groom Katie Walton, the eight-year-old lapped up the attention he received from the enthusiastic locals, including members of Nick Rockett’s family, his former owner, Roger O’Byrne, John and Timmy O’Byrne plus well-known local horsemen Nicky Dee and Michael Lenihan.

Nick Rockett’s nephew, Eddie, who runs Rockett’s pub in the town was understandably thrilled:

“It was a big event for the village and we have to thank Willie Mullins and Stewart Andrew, plus Patrick and his groom Katie and, of course, the horse for making it happen.

“The village looked brilliant and a lot of hard work went into it by the local Civil Defence, the GAA and soccer clubs while our local Garda Clare Walsh was great too. Jamsie Power, who works for the local council, did a lot of work behind the scenes also.

“For me, personally, it was very emotional to see the Grand National winner named after my uncle walking through our village and I know it was for the O’Byrne family too.”