HERE’S a noble effort worth some of your hard-earned cash. Haras de Meautry manager Nick Bell is raising money for Down Syndrome Kerry by completing the Ring of Kerry cycle challenge next month. Bell manages the historic stud near Calvados, in Normandy for Baron Edouard de Rothschild and has strong connections with Ireland having lived here for some time.

He explains: “Following a diagnosis of prostate cancer and chronic pulmonary sarcoidosis this year, I decided to take up cycling to combat the side effects of the heavy levels of cortisone used as a treatment. My goal is to take part in the Ring of Kerry cycle ride which passes near my house in Ireland among the beautiful lakes and mountains of Co Kerry.