LAST week was an exceptionally successful one for Louise Lyons who followed up her four-timer in the working hunter section of the Tattersalls July Show on the Tuesday by seeing her children – Nancy, Robin and Nicky – win and place on Wednesday. On Friday, she sent out Lady Rita to win over hurdles at Killarney.

Louise was quick to express her thanks to partner Nicky Teehan for keeping it all going in the racing yard during a busy summer of shows, Pony Club rallies and camp. Last Thursday and Friday, it was Nicky who drove the lorry between their Co Kilkenny base and Killarney while Louise juggled birthday parties and coaching at a North Kilkenny Pony Club rally.

As Rachael Blackmore was riding Lady Rita on Friday, Nancy insisted on going to the races with her father and not only was she delighted when Ken Kinahan’s Westerner mare won but she also represented Louise when it came to the presentation of prizes. Then, to make the day complete, Nancy had her photograph taken with Rachael who gave the young fan her prize for riding the winner.

Eimear Clarke, District Commissioner of the North Kilkenny Branch, recently welcomed Rachael to their Pony Club camp at Nuenna Farm where she was a huge hit with all the young members, particularly Nancy and her sister Robin.

Among the first to congratulate Louise when Lady Rita won at Killarney was Rachael’s mother Eimir who used to babysit Nancy at the lorry at events when Louise was competing.