RITA Lyons, who is as well-known in the sport horse world as she is in the thoroughbred industry, had a race named in her honour at Punchestown on Monday, when she was interviewed by Racing TV’s Kevin O’Ryan who, too, has a foot in both camps.

A tribute in Monday’s racecard read: “Rita Lyons played a key role within the weighroom, where she prepared and served delicious, nutritious home-made food to jockeys and staff ... Individuals that go above and beyond are the ones who make our brilliant sport special, thank you Rita.”

For 10 years, Rita catered for jockeys and others in the weighroom at nine racecourses, but there’s no doubt that for this native of Kill, Co Kildare, Punchestown is her favourite track.

She was totally stunned late last week when informed of ‘her’ race, but then enjoyed a wonderful day in the company of her husband Donald, daughters Emma and Elizabeth, son Allan and five grandchildren. She presented a prize to Mayo owner Patrick Moran, whose Mark Fahey-trained, Ricky Doyle-ridden Annalecka won the Thank You To Rita Lyons Mares Maiden Hurdle, before she was presented with a bouquet of flowers by a delegation of jockeys.

When interviewed by Kevin, Rita commented: “I have to say a huge thank you to Punchestown. They are my close neighbours ... Punchestown has been my local all my life.” Kevin then moved on to the subject of the Kildare Pony Club and its ties with the racecourse, with Rita stating that she had been a member of the Branch herself, so too were her daughters and now two of her grandchildren.

“We’re very privileged to have Punchestown for the Pony Club,” continued Rita before referencing the recent Kildare Hunt Club’s children’s meet. “Even last week, we had the most wonderful day here with all the children, 70 children! Where in the world would you get it? Nowhere! It’s wonderful to have the privilege of being able to come in here and long may it last.”