Originally Posted by
edgt
Racing at Leopardstown Wednesday we were in the august company of Lar Byrne, owner of Hardy Eustace, Acapella Bourgeois, Total Recall among others.
His Lecky Watson was declared for the final race the following day, a Winners Bumper.
As the horse had suffered interference when narrowly beaten on debut , then disqualified on his next run, Lar rightly looked upon him as a dual winner without a penalty.
So far so good.
WPM had promised that if he more than one entry ,Lecky would not run unless Patrick rode him, so much better.
At dinner that evening Art wondered aloud when it would be polite to "take a price "about him; he was then 7/4 or 15/8.
As the steak was our priority we left well alone, rather than get indigestion .
Next day at the races Lar was wearing his racing hat, for the presentation, don't you know.
Horse's price was hovering better than 2/1 , so our politeness the night before was yielding a dividend already.
The fan club had increased numerically and WPM's big race form , along with the expected success of Saddex, the Barry Connell and Charles Byrne horses had a lot of money, some of mine included adding to the day's pleasure.
In the ring Lecky had the stature and poise of Florida Pearl, himself a Bumper horse of note.
A smart race with smart horses, note was taken of Tom Mullins' debutant, a Walk In The Park ex Presenting mare ex King's Theatre mare , tidier in stature than Lecky but with a nice honest head, taking proceedings in his stride.
We entered the parade ring to watch the race, keen to be on hand for the ensuing celebrations, the warmth of the winning connections lounge nearby inviting/ enticing us.
Lecky was keen enough early on but eventually settled beside his stable companion at a brisk pace.
For a Bumper horse he hit the ground quite hard with his forelegs, indicating that he would prefer obstacles than flat racing.
All appeared well into the straight until Tom's horse came alongside and would not tire, fade, hang or do anything "green ".
The Mullins trio pulled clear of pursuers but Tom's had the upper hand and kept it.
What to say; how to say it.
Luckily Maureen Mullins saved the day.
Standing beside us she engaged us in conversation and suddenly all was well with the result.
She even encouraged us to give Charlie and Tom a good cheer as he returned, which we dutifully did.
Lar , in conversation with Tom was told the plan was to run the horse Monday but Charlie had twisted his ankle and they had to wait for that to heal before running the horse.
Lar's measured and good natured response was " F55K Charlie and his ankle !"
We may think "it was written; it is now "
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