SAM Nelson qualified as a veterinary surgeon from Trinity College, Dublin in 1979. While he was described by his close friends and roommates Michael Hannwacker and John Weld as ‘the most diligent of us’, he nevertheless found time to indulge his love of horse racing and breeding.

His passion comes from his Tipperary mother’s side of the family who were, and remain, successful thoroughbred breeders. In-depth student discussions on the merits of favourite stallions were fuelled by trips to Leopardstown, Phoenix Park and further afield to spectate, but also to ride out for Toss Taaffe.