IT must have been a first when it was announced on RTÉ early this week that Gail Carlisle, groom and work rider of Hurricane Fly, Douvan, etc, was leaving the Willie Mullins yard.

“And I was hoping to slip quietly away!” revealed Gail, who is heading off to the States on holiday at the end of the month. “I’m going to go to Kentucky first and then probably head to Pennsylvania to see Paddy Young and his wife Leslie.

“I just want a change of scenery. Some 10 years ago this week, I started working for a year at Coolmore Australia and then, when I came back, I ended up in Willie’s. It’s been flat out since then and I really need a long break. I’ve been so involved with the horses that I haven’t had the time to try anything different.

“I’m going to miss everyone of course,” continued the Ballynahinch native.

“Working at Willie’s is like being part of a big family, but the time is right to do something else and I’m looking forward to the challenge.”