The village of Kilmacthomas is taking great pride in this year’s Aintree Grand National winner ‘Nick Rockett’ which has numerous local connections – including being named after a local man.
The now world famous horse was previously owned by Roddy O’Byrne and began an illustrious racing career at The Lodge Stud, Kilmacthomas, as Timmy O’Byrne explained to WLR.
“He was bought for my uncle Roddy in America as a three year old from a good friend of mine, Kieran Cotter in Stradbally who bred the horse and he was named after a very good friend of Roddy’s, Nick Rockett.”
”Pat Doyle, who was training him, said to Roddy ‘this fella is going to be a very good horse, you better pick a good name’. I called Roddy and the name Nick Rockett was picked and the rest is history.”
Timmy and Caroline O’Byrne with son Robin
Timmy explains that there are numerous Mid County Waterford links as Nick Rockett was bred with the Cotters in Stradbally, foaled with the Lenihans in Fews, and won on the track at Curraghmore.
“Eddie Rockett runs Rockett’s Bar in the village and on Saturday everyone in there seemed to have had him backed,” says Timmy.
”There were lots of celebrations. He was well touted locally and he was on everyone’s mind in the village.”
Rockett’s Bar in Kilmacthomas said: “A massive congratulations to the truly amazing Willie and Patrick Mullins. The Rocketts could not be prouder on such a historic win- grateful to our dear family friend Roddy O’ Byrne for naming this horse after a true character- our Uncle Nick.”
It’s not the first Aintree Grand National success to emerge from The Lodge Stud, as Roddy bought Miinnehoma as a three year old who then went on to win the Grand National in 1994.
Meanwhile, this year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Inothewayurthinkin was also broken in as a two year old at The Lodge Stud.
“It’s incredible to have the Grand National and Gold Cup winner to come out of the same yard in the same year,” said Timmy.
Hear more from Timmy and Caroline O’Byrne on air on WLR.
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