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Traverse
This
page will be updated regularly !
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The History of Traverse and Hector
The
highly successful TV Series "Only Fools Buy Horses",
was the brain child of Padraic Maloney
from Drum East, Co. Galway and was presented by TV Star Hector
O'Heochagain. Padraic met Hector in Eyre Square in Galway
and recognised him from TG4 television, and he put his idea
to him about buying a cheap racehorse and following his progress
(as he had done successfully many a time). Hector was very
interested and between the two of them they planned what turned
out to be a brilliant series. A horse named Traverse, was
bought by Pat Flynn in conjunction with Padraic Maloney and
Eamonn Reilly of the Curragh Bloodstock Agency for £1,000
at the Newmarket 'Horses In Training Sale' in July
2002. This horse was to carry Hector's colours and to fulfil
his dream of owning his own racehorse. The horse, named Traverse,
was taken back to Ireland to be trained by Pat Flynn. Hector
was in his element and took to being a racehorse owner like
a "duck to water".
Traverse
ran five times finishing 3rd once when ridden by world class
jockey and one of Hector's heroes and fellow County men, J.P.
Murtagh. Murtagh said Traverse would win but the Flat Season
of 2002 had come to an end.
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2003
Traverse having strengthened up over the winter months
spent at Pat Flynn's Churchtown Hill Boarding Stud, was a
force to be reckoned with. Hector's hopes were high as the
Flat Season progressed. Traverse's first run was over
6f at Ballinrobe, where he gave a gutsy performance under
a polished ride from Flynn's Apprentice, the late Sean Cleary.
Traverse
winning at Ballinrobe
Hector
was ecstatic, and the jubilant scenes in the Parade Ring
after the race showed that this new racehorse owner knew how
to enjoy a win. Champagne flowed as Hector proceeded to give
Sean Cleary a piggy-back around the Ring. It was a win that
Hector and the spectators at Ballinrobe won't forget for a
long long time.
L - R Padraic Maloney, Hector, Sean Cleary (jockey), Traverse,
Nicola Dowell (groom) Pat Flynn and Martin Maguire (driver)
Having
conquered the 26 counties, it was decided to take Traverse
to The North and contest a 5f Handicap at Down Royal. Traverse
was not to be denied, he won the race by a breathtaking 4
lengths this time ridden by Flynn's other Apprentice, Danny
Grant. After the race, Hector was again seen in full flow,
as he sprayed the crowd, who watched in amazement, around
the winners enclosure with Champagne.
Traverse
gets a visit from Hector and Padraic Maloney last week during
his winter break
23rd
December, 2003.
Traverse is doing very very well. He is nice and strong and
enjoying his Winter break. He will be having a visit from
the Veterinary Surgeon after Christmas just for a general
health check up.
1st
February 2004
Traverse had his veterinary checkup in January
which he passed with flying colours. He is now back
in full training and looking fantastic.
Its the 9th March 2004, and Traverse has completed his first bit of fast work and is looking good
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