History of Irish Horse Racing

"In The Blood - the story of Irish racing" on RTE next Sunday offers an insight into Ireland"s pre-eminence in the world of horse racing and the story of how it all began. As a nation that prides itself on its unique connection with horsemanship, "In The Blood" traces the sport back to its earliest days before the Battle of the Boyne in the 17th century. It examines how, as the knowledge and traditions have developed over the years, it has grown into a sport of glorious achievement for the Irish in flat and national hunt racing. Among the contributors is John Carr from Kilcloon, who trained Sublimity to Cheltenham glory in 2007. As well as re-living some golden moments, such as Arkle"s triumph over Mill House in the 1964 Cheltenham Gold Cup, "In The Blood" offers a unique glimpse into the world of horseracing with archive footage and contributions from a host of insiders including Ted Walsh, Aidan O"Brien, Eimear Mulhern, Tony O"Hehir and Brian Kavanagh (chief executive, Horse Racing Ireland). It screens at 6.30 on Sunday evening on RTE1.