THE subjects of our stable visits this week are two trainers who are both Dubliners, but from different generations. John Richardson, now 60, grew up near Drumcondra, but spent every spare moment of his youth at the sprawling Portmarnock Raceway complex. Calvin Broughan (22) hails from Cabra, where his family have a successful coach hire company.

John has for some time been the main trainer at the compact but well-appointed Meadowbranch Stud at Ballyboughal. Calvin works in the shadow of 66-year-old Christy ‘Hopper’ Foran, small in stature, big in reputation, and based north of Ashbourne. Both men have a strong hand for the impending new season. The first meeting is scheduled for May 3rd at Annaghmore.