By Martin Kelly
The Seen-Unseen enthusiasts all gathered together from across the Country,
at Kildare Railway Station on August 2nd before loading onto the Horse
Racing
Ireland (HRI) transport, to take the group over to the nearby Curragh Beag
and the Racing Stables of John and Jodi O'Donoghue. Clare McLaughlin, is the
founder of Seen-Unseen and arranged our sensory visit to this working
stable. Largely assisted by Barbra White, Snr. Executive with HRI.
On arrival in the stable yard, the first striking sensation was stepping out
onto a soft gravel surface coupled with the peaceful sound of sycamore trees
gently rustling in the Curragh breeze. This distinctive soft covering
stretched over the stable yard until we reached the cobbled areas which
fronted along
the perimeter of the horse boxes. Clare then introduced us to John
O'Donoghue, the young trainer and his wife Jodi. Together, they told us how
the yard
works through a set of daily routines. Having thirty thoroughbred horses in
training and only six stable lads to ride out, it is indeed a busy schedule.
Consequently, the O'Driscoll Yard operates on a nine to five basis so
efficiency is the key.
We were now on high alert as we awaited a string of horses returning back
from their training run on the Curragh Gallops. So! Just like clockwork, the
unique sound of clip-clopping horses echoed into the Yard with their riders
chatting and the horses snorting and whinnying as the party walked along the
cobbled path. This party of four were now heading towards the unsaddling
enclosure to be hosed down before heading for the horse walker.
Ironically, we were informed that one member of this string had dislodged a
plate while training so we got an unplanned sensory insight into the stable
farrier's role as Pat, the stable's "shoemaker" was introduced. Pat's job
was to remove and replace the faulty shoe and get the costly Kingswood back
on
the horse's hooves again. During this procedure, apart from the sound of the
farrier at work, we also got to learn about the importance of well shaped
and perfect fitting horseshoes. Moreover, to closely examine the horseshoes
and learn how different styles are fitted depending on the weather or for
track
racing. The traditional or heavier shoes are generally fitted over the
Winter period while a much lighter aluminium racing plate is fitted before
racing,
thereby, putting his/her best foot forward.
The O'Donoghue enterprise is based in the former yard of the famous John
Oxx, the renowned flat race Trainer. This tried and tested stable yard can
boast
of having produced three Irish Derby winners, under the stewardship of John
Oxx. Including see the stars, who went on to win races all across Europe.
The next element of our sensory journey was a visit with the friendly stable
hack Gibbs Hill (Gibbo). Gibbo is a nine year old grey gelding whose role
is to lead by example, to keep the younger friskier thoroughbreds in line
when out exercising. Gibbo is indeed a magnificent animal, standing over
eighteen
hands high and he exudes strength and power with not a hint of flab on his
enormous frame. Everyone had an opportunity to spend some sensory time with
Gibbo and as he was chaperoned, we also got to feel or rub him.
As the stable hack, Gibbo can be described as the main man around the yard
and a perfect role model so we thoroughly enjoyed his company. After our
sensory
experience with Gibbo, he was taken out for a short trot around the yard and
on return to his box, he immediately dropped onto his back stuck his legs
in the air and entertained us by snorting and rolling about. John informed
us that this was an expression by a very "happy horse".
After this unscheduled performance, we were then invited by John and Jodi
back for coffee and cakes in the stable canteen. Naturally, these fancy
cakes
are not normally to be found on the stable table as the jockeys are always
extremely conscious of their calorie intake. While enjoying these forbidden
treats, we all engaged in yet another tactile insight into the finer
elements of the racing industry. Getting to handle a wide variety of racing
materials
from horse bedding to the tasty nourishing nuts fit for a king. In addition,
a full set of a jockey's racing outfit was passed around, from the highly
coloured vests that represents the owners along with a range of
distinguishing coloured hats. Also, we held a typical lead rain and
Newmarket blanket that
keeps a horse warm while walking around the parade ring before his Jockey
jumps on board and heads for the Starting Gates.
Members of the group are standing around and are seen from behind as they
listen to a member of the stables' staff speaking to them
Now all fully replete, it was back to our sensory tour and to observe the
horse walker in action. This area is where the horses were now cooling down
and
relaxing after their Curragh exertions. In many respects, identical to an
athlete warming down after a hard training run. The horse walker is fully
automated
so the horses are moved along independently, thus, allowing the stable staff
to maximise their resources.
Alas! Our unique sensory visit was drawing to an end but was sticking with
the racing formula, before saying our goodbyes to our excellent hosts. It
was
a quick run through the O'Donoghue's starting stalls which again for us was
a hands-on experience of what happens during the start at an official flat
race meeting. This time we had an opportunity to stand in a typical starting
stall to imagine what it feels like for the horse and jockey before the race
starter presses the button. All of the O'Donoghue two year old horses are
schooled through this mandatory resource before they can ever register to
compete.
Such starting stalls guarantee that at least all the horses in a race are
facing forward before the gates spring open and they jump off. Thankfully,
we
passed through the starting stalls with not a hint of a Jockey's whip in
sight.
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end so it was now back on the
HRI bus and homeward bound. Having personally participated on numerous
Seen-Unseen
adventures, this sensory tour of a live racing stable was no doubt, a unique
sensational experience for all concerned and left us with lasting memories.
However, with these memories still fresh in our minds, four days later on
August 6th, we were invited by HRI to attend the Curragh races as guests. On
this occasion, to experience first hand how race goers enjoy a day at the
races. August 6th, was a classic trial meeting with the Pheonix Stakes the
main
event for two-year-old horses at the Curragh track - the official home of
Irish flat racing. This meeting featured a range of trials for up and coming
racing stars, with the Pheonix Stakes offering the top prize. Yes! It was
yet another Aiden O'Brien victory with his horse Little Big Bear taking the
first
prize.
NCBI Press Releases & Blogs.
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