THE Howley family have endured some of the toughest times in recent weeks, so to win the coveted potential young event horse title at the RDS on Friday evening was a most timely and welcome tonic.

Both Padraig, his wife Catherine and son Ciaran have been in hospital suffering from Covid-19, but on hearing the news, the ebullient Padraig, was more than delighted. “It is something else!” he said. “It was brilliant, and I was so excited I almost jumped out of the hospital window!”