MORE than 32 years after our opening foray into racehorse ownership, my family celebrated our first winner, when The Big Dog claimed the concluding bumper at Naas last weekend. After years of trials and tribulations, it was somewhat of a relief to finally see our colours in front.

My dad, John, had horses in training for many years and passed on his love for the sport to all his offspring. Together with his uncle, Paddy, he was involved in various different partnerships for as long as I can remember. Despite lots of hopes and expectations, luck largely deserted them and they never had a horse together (Paddy did have a winner pre the partnership) good enough to win a race.