AS a man of a certain vintage, the name Val Joyce has a special meaning. Looking back now we have a greater appreciation for the good he did for Irish racing, just as his colleague Colm Murray did too. How fortunate we were to have such cheerleaders for our sport.

I had the pleasure of getting to know Val personally as a consequence of his friendship with my late parents, and when I posted the news of his passing this week, I was not surprised to have so many nice comments made about the distinguished, and very distinctive, broadcaster.

Universally liked, Val and his programme Airs and Races had a profound impact on many. Some of the comments elicited by my posting included “lovely gentleman and great broadcaster”, “a fabulous voice, broadcaster and person”, “a very familiar voice in our lives”, “a wonderful man”, and “Val was part of my growing up”. Let us hope that Val knew how much he was loved and admired.

New role

Mark Costello has a great interview this week with Shane O’Dwyer, the outgoing chief executive of the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association. He will soon take up a similar role with Anam Cara, a national charity that supports parents after bereavement. It is something especially close to Shane’s heart and that of his wife Orla.

As the constant face, along with equally esteemed colleagues, of the ITBA for some 15 years, Shane has guided that body through good times and bad within the breeding sector. As with all he does in life, he did so with passion and conviction, and I had first-hand experience of working alongside him during our sojourn at Goffs.

I am pleased to say we are friends. I will miss Shane’s professional involvement in the industry, but I am sure that he will make a huge impact for good in his new role. He moves on with our gratitude for a job well done, and our best wishes for the future.

Baaeed

I was at Newmarket when Frankel bid farewell to racing, and what an occasion it was. Sadly, I am not there today to say farewell to another champion, the 10-time winner Baaeed, six of those victories have been gained in Group 1 races.

The son of Sea The Stars is worthy of being considered among the very best we have seen, and he will be a most exciting stallion recruit for 2023. We will all be glued to our television screens this afternoon at 4pm when Baaeed goes into battle one last time. Good luck to all connections.