‘Go Native and Iktitaf were two seriously bad days’

The placement of the many framed pictures at Noel Meade’s home in Castletown, Co Meath is revealing.

The house is a shrine to the many great horses that have helped Meade become one of Ireland’s most successful trainers.

The hall boasts numerous pictures but one in splendid isolation stands out. It is to this picture Meade points instantly when asked for his favourite horse of those he has had in a career spanning over 40 years.