FOR the second year in succession and probably the fifth time overall Trim-based farrier Patrick Kane jnr wins the silver salver and a cheque sponsored by The Irish Field. Patrick had a fantastic season with the trotter Harry Knows who the family have now sent to race in New York.

On a poignant note, Rhyds Scoundrel was the dominant younger pacer in both Ireland and Britain before dying in a freak accident at grass recently.

Twenty-time champion John Richardson has still got the fire in his belly but his yard lacked a standout performer in 2022, although Shesnoaprilfool won the Black Horse Juvenile fillies’ series. Covid in his family laid John up in recent weeks, although Kane was never off the bridle in the title race.

Patrick’s cousin Sean Kane was an honourable third. Sean’s success is unusual in that he and father Ger specialise in trotters. The three-year-old Just In Time contributed nine to Sean’s total.

Standings at December 6th

Driver Wins

Patrick Kane jnr, Trim 42

John Richardson, Dublin 33

Sean Kane, The Naul 27

Oisin Quill, Kenmare 22

Billy Roche, Dublin 21

Jonny Cowden, Belfast 20

Gavin Murdock, Belfast 18

Donal Murphy, Baltimore 17