“THERE,” says Jean Mitchell, proudly passing over a photo of a young Joseph O’Brien and Game-spirit Wilkie at Tattersalls in 2007 when the future Irish Derby-winning trainer is talking to his younger brother Donnacha in a preview of future parade ring and gallops conversations since.

For the redoubtable Tattersalls International Horse Trials event director, this snapshot is one of many highlights since she joined their team in 2006 at George Mernagh’s request. “Could anyone say no to George? Some 13 years later, I’m still there trying to run it the way George wanted it run. I was blessed to be able to work with him to get the event off the ground.”