GRAND National-winning trainer Emmet Mullins is a past pupil of Cistercian College in Roscrea, Co Tipperary. He was in fifth year when he rode his first winner, a foretaste of future triumphs.

A special part of the celebrations for that epic win was a little bit different as Emmet brought his 50/1 winner Noble Yeats to the college to meet pupils, monks and staff. Emmet’s mother Bridget, his father George and his grandmother Maureen Mullins were also there.

Emmet graduated from the college 14 years ago. His family has a long connection with the school.

A few years ago, both Emmet and his cousin Patrick were involved in the Cistercian College Roscrea Racing Partnership. Emmet trained A Smooth Criminal to win at Clonmel in their colours.

Maybe some of today’s pupils will be inspired by the visit of Noble Yeats to take an interest in the sport in years to come.

WELL done to Tom Murtagh, youngest son of Johnny and Orla, on making the under-18 Leinster rugby team. Tom is just finishing fifth year in

Clongowes Wood College and will then join the Leinster training camp with the aim of playing in three inter-provincial games in August.

WALK off the last of your Easter egg padding before racing at Leopardstown tomorrow (Sunday). The team at HRI Racing Juniors are hosting a track walk with the clerk of the course Lorcan Wyer, top jockey Wayne Lordan and Leopardstown’s racing and operations manager, Jane Hedley.

Get the inside track on how the ground is prepared and inspected for a race meeting, and what it takes to win there. The track walk is taking place at 12.45pm sharp, meeting at the parade ring at 12.35pm. This is offered as part of a Family Fun Day race ticket.

There will also be a jam-packed schedule of free entertainment featuring key racing education elements including a racing simulator provided by RACE, Front-Runner Horse Racing Education activities, interactive horse grooming, a Meet the Stars jockey autograph session, Hobby Horse races, petting zoo and more.