IF Cormac Hanley’s enthusiasm could be harnessed into electricity, the indoor arena at Claremorris School of Equitation would have sparkled like Times Square for its inaugural Grand Prix show. Instead, there was a problem that weekend.

Local character and electrician Shady Malee oversaw the electrical work for Hanley’s latest business venture. “It was the first big show back in September 1980. Steve Hickey loved the pillars in the arena, he built around them. Paul Darragh, who was after buying Carat for £40,000, arrived with a full load of horses. Carat refused at the first fence and Paul went home,” said the CSOE owner.