BALLYRAFTER Equestrian Centre in Lismore, Co Waterford, has long been a favourite for riders bringing on youngsters, but the results from Hickstead last weekend reinforced its reputation as a veritable kindergarten for Derby horses.

The 2016 Derby winner Glenavadra Brilliant, bred by Frank Fahy in Co Galway, was produced as a young horse by the Kiely family from Dungarvan, and Tom Kiely regularly schooled the chesnut at Ballyrafter under Anne Waistell’s watchful eye.