THE arrival of Storm Betty a night earlier wasn’t enough to dampen spirits of those attending Eddie and Patrick Harty’s Horse Racing Ireland-backed trainer open morning last weekend, with plenty of interest in the well-established Curragh operation.

The timing of the father-and-son duo’s event fell ideally for those heading racing later in the day for the Futurity/Debutante Stakes card at the Curragh, and the yard visit appeared to be well received by those who attended.

“We beat the odds in that we were still able to host the event after the storm we faced a night before,” said Patrick Harty.

“We had to change plans at the last minute that night and people got held up with the weather but I think the feeling was that it was a very good day out. We were happy with the turnout and response from people, and there were plenty of enthusiastic visitors.”

The Harty team have got on the scoresheet in a couple of competitive sprint handicaps at the Curragh this season but have also been well represented in the two-year-old division with some promising placed performers on debut.

Loterie, a €30,000 yearling purchase who finished third in a Curragh maiden on first run, has since been sold to join Philip D’Amato in California, while the likes of Nadowessi (runner-up to the 94-rated Buyin Buyin on his Naas introduction) and Apollo Prince (second on debut at the Galway Festival) have shaped like breakthrough wins shouldn’t be far away.

Strong interest

Patrick Harty says he and his father were happy to give a glimpse of what goes on behind the scenes in the yard, potentially sowing future seeds for racehorse ownership opportunities with the team. “This was our second time to run a morning like this with Horse Racing Ireland,” said Patrick.

“We were blessed with the weather last year as the open morning fell at the tail end of a heatwave last August.

“Last weekend, we had the racehorse simulator on the go, with Chris Hayes on hand to talk people through various bits. He spoke about the success he’s had in his career, the success he’s had with us as a partnership and what he likes about how we do things, as well as what he’s looking forward to in the future.

“Ricky Doyle was there and spoke along similar lines. He’s got a good relationship with Grandero Bello, who is quite an exciting chaser for us. He does plenty of schooling for us too.”