Villagers’ total enjoyment in Cheltenham win

THE unbridled joy of having a Cheltenham winner was celebrated in a Kerry village over the weekend.

Total Enjoyment, popular 7/1 victor in the Wetherby bumper, and her trainer, Tom Cooper, were given a tumultuous homecoming reception by around 300 people in Blennerville, outside Tralee.

In spite of bitterly cold, showers, it seemed the entire population of Blennerville followed the five-year-old mare, with the trainer’s 11-year-old son, Brian, aboard, in a parade to St Pat’s GAA grounds.

The club made a presentation to Mr Cooper, a former playing member.

“On top of all the celebrations of the last few days, this is extra special. A lot of people here had her backed,” said the trainer, whose stables are just a gallop from the village.

Also being congratulated was the 11-member, It Will Never Last syndicate, which bought the horse for €20,000 less than two years ago. She’s now worth a lot more, but is not for sale.

“How could you buy fun like that,” asked syndicate member Donie Dillane.

The only non-Kerry member of the syndicate, Paul McCaul, from Dungannon, Co Tyrone, got involved through his business connections with Alan Collins and Donie Dillane.

“My wife Petrina, is more interested in horses than I am, but I was glad to get the opportunity,” said Paul.

“Being in Cheltenham to see her win was one of the best days of my life. Seeing Tyrone win the All-Ireland last year was unbelievable, but the win in Cheltenham even surpassed that.”

Total Enjoyment is being put out to grass, but will be back in hurdling action in November.

It is hoped to enter her in the Champion Novice Hurdle at Cheltenham next year.