RETIRED farrier Andy Mahon (left) was a special guest at this week’s Goffs Arkle Sale. Andy shod Arkle before his third Leopardstown Chase win in 1966, the day ‘Himself’ conceded 42lb to Height O’Fashion and still won by a neck.

“I worked as a farrier from the day I left school until I was 80 years of age,” Andy told us during his most enjoyable day back at the sales. Now 92, Andy lives in Ratoath Manor and was joined at Goffs by his great pal and fellow nursing home resident Albert Smith.

Andy still follows National Hunt racing every day and was delighted to meet a few familiar faces at Goffs. Jackie Kerrigan of Ratoath Manor added: “Andy has had a great day. He says it’s like being home. Everyone has been so kind to us.”