Willie McCreery almost hit the summit of Gaelic football when his Kildare side lost the 1998 All Ireland SFC final to Galway. He learned a lot from legendary Lilywhites manager Mick O’Dwyer, stuff he applies to his life as a racing trainer. Now he dreams of reaching the very top of his trade.

THE campaign to ensure the continuance of racing at Ballybeggan Park stepped up a gear yesterday when it was revealed that on-course bookmakers have pledged 100,000 towards the saving of the track.