BRED FOR THE TURF

Paul Ferguson keeps faith with his early season hopes for Aintree prizes

A four-horse race in late January at a soggy Plumpton could possibly have slipped many people's attention.

Only two finished, which, given the conditions, was not surprising. But what drew my attention was the first and second were ridden by brothers Niall and Sean Houlihan. I can only imagine what the conversation might have been coming to the last obstacle.

The Houlihans are part of an amazing racing dynasty. I grabbed their uncle, Epsom stalwart Pat Phelan (the trainer of the winner) for a quick word. But thankfully there is no such thing as a quick word with Pat!

Sitting down with him I asked how and where his love and knowledge of horses began. He told me he was born on a stud farm. I have to say I didn't altogether believe him - but on checking found it was true! At 18 he joined the Irish army and went on to compete internationally over eventing and show jumping.

Promoted to Captain, Pat became an instructor at the Army Equitation School detachment at The Curragh, where his role also took in the Irish racing academy. Pat later trained at the course, where he worked with the subsequent Gold Cup winner Jodami, before moving to Japan to manage a large pre-training centre of 250 horses and 60 staff. On his return to Europe, he spent two years managing Highclere Stud and joined Ermyn Lodge in June 2006 as trainer and breeding operations manager. I asked about his nephews but soon learnt the family racing connections don't nd there.Brother Eamonn was stallion manager at Coolmore, brother Michael still works there, brother Maurice was a leading point to point trainer, now retired, and Cheltenham and Grand National winning trainer Emmett Mullins is his nephew.