OVER 250 people turned out for trainer Anthony McCann’s open morning in Castleblayney, Co Monaghan, last Sunday. “The rain held off and it went very well,” he told us.

One of the highlights of the day was the unveiling by owner Rita Shah of a plaque commemorating the late Oliver Brady, the larger-than-life character who established the yard and is much missed by Irish racing since his passing in 2014.

Anthony reported: “A friend of mine, Brian McGuigan, created the plaque and I put it up myself on Sunday morning. Rita knew nothing about it until I asked her to unveil it during the open day.”

Having saddled four bumper winners already this season, Anthony and his team have plenty to look forward to. “Those bumper winners should make nice novice hurdlers and we have about 10 for Dundalk as well this winter,” he said.