DUAL Grand National winning trainer Mouse Morris became only the fourth person in Tipperary County Council history to be honoured by a civic reception, which took place in Fethard recently, in recognition of his unique achievement of winning the Irish and English Grand Nationals in the same season with Rogue Angel and Rule The World. The reception was attended by about 160 guests including councillors, TDs and special guests Coolmore’s Christy Grassick, vets Demi O’Byrne and John Halley, Mouse’s lifelong friend Timmy Hyde and his son Tim, who bred this year’s Kentucky Derby winner (Nyquist), members of Mouse’s staff and Rogue Angel’s jockey Ger Fox.

Speeches were kept to a minimum but the feeling of affection for Mouse and Jamie shone through. Tom Hayes, former TD, said: “I was in Fairyhouse when Rogue Angel won and the expression on people’s faces after Mouse won was special. He’s popular with everyone. Tipperary is the home of racing and has contributed to so many homes in the county.’’