IT was certainly the end of an era two weeks ago for the pony racing fraternity, with the passing of the great Maniac. She was 28 years old.

This champion 12.2hh pony was successful on 151 occasions and kicked off the careers of so many jockeys, who are now household names. Indeed, the combination of Maniac and her owners Markie and Elsie Fitzgerald from Askeaton, Co Limerick could well be described as the Red Rum and Ginger McCain of pony racing!