From Traverse to the top table

The man who brought you the story of Traverse, Navan"s Hector '"hEochagáin is back with another racing story with a difference. Hector exploded into the racing world in 2002 with his bargain purchase Traverse, a moderate handicapper which was folowed by the television cameras from the sales ring to his first run at Tralee in August of that year where he was reluctant to go into the stalls. This time around, Hector will be sampling life at the top table in a Christmas special of his irreverent and insightful series, Hanging with Hector, with a behind-the-scenes look at the life of world renowned horse trainer Aidan O"Brien on RTE One next Monday, 9.35. O"Brien"s internationally acclaimed training centre at Ballydoyle has had a remarkable 2008 season with 23 Group 1 victories notched up and during the summer. Hector spent time at the stables where he was given unprecedented access to the workings of the yard. He was there to witness the preparations for one of the most coveted horse-racing titles, the Breeder"s Cup Classic in the USA. He joined Aidan O"Brien on his daily rounds at Ballydoyle - on the gallops, in the stables and for the all-important bowl of porridge in the morning, giving him a unique insight into how the trainer and his team at Ballydoyle work. Even Ballydoyle stable jockey and fellow Meath man Johnny Murtagh, who partnered Traverse to third place at Navan in a 0-60 five-furlong handicap in October 2002, showed up to keep an eye on Hector. The Breeders" Cup, which this year was at Santa Anita in California, is where the biggest and best equine talent from both sides of the Atlantic perform at the end of each season. With over 25 million dollars in prize money up for grabs over two days of championship racing, the stakes are high. Hector joins Aidan and the crew as they pack up and head to Santa Anita. He enjoys exclusive access to the transatlantic flight with Ireland"s top racehorses and follows the behind-the-scenes build up to the greatest two days racing in the world. This is an insider"s guide to the world of international horse racing with one of the sport"s most successful modern day trainers. Through Hector"s eyes the punters and the general public will get to see what it means to compete at the highest international level in the Sport of Kings.