TWENTY years ago John Oxx was champion trainer in Ireland, with 99 winners at home and more abroad. This also ensured that Johnny Murtagh was crowned the champion jockey. It was a notable year too for the Currabeg handler as he won Group or Grade 1 races in four countries with the brilliant Ridgewood Pearl, owned by Sean and Anne Coughlan.

That year he also trained Timarida and her haul of group races did not include a Group 1, but it did include three races that are now elevated to the top tier. She annexed the Trusted Partner Matron Stakes in mid-September and then, in a glorious fortnight in October won the Prix de l’Opera and the E P Taylor Stakes.