Alive and kicking on new years day
The weather conditions at Fairyhouse on New Year's Day were challenging even for the most enthusiastic race-goer but patrons turned out in large numbers and enjoyed the action with a number of local winners.
However, the staff who work in the various racing stables around the county and around the country, and who generally go unrecognised for their efforts, deserve great credit for their dedication and the long hours they put in.
One handler on Thursday last was lucky to escape unscathed when he received a kick from the horse he was helping to lead around the parade ring.
Flemenstorm (see video clip and watch horse no 6) was doing his best to make life difficult for his handlers as he walked, or more accurately pranced around the parade ring.
Flemenstorm, which was having his first run in more than a year and finsihed 11th of 22, is trained by Edward Cawley near Batterstown and is owned by Mrs Bernadette Colleary.