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!

The list of Maniac’s graduates includes Emmet McNamara, Danny Mullins, Billy Lee, Chris Hayes, Denis Linehan, Darragh Lordan, Connor King, Danny Sheehy and Joey O’Sullivan.

Reflecting this week on the passing of Maniac, Danny Mullins described her as a racing legend and thanked the Fitzgerald family for giving him the opportunity to have been one of the lucky jockeys.

Billy Lee described her as the ‘one and only’ and spoke of his great memories of the 28 races he won on her.

Barry Fitzgerald, who is now enjoying a successful training career, said she lived a peaceful life after racing and signed off with an emotional, thank you Maniac, for all the memories.

New season starts

The 2025 Horse and Pony racing season will begin in Ballyheigue, Co Kerry on Sunday, December 29th next at 12.30pm. The races will be held on grass at a wonderful new circuit.