Dunshaughlin racing fan presents artwork to racing legend Frankie Detorri

A star struck horse racing fan from Dunshaughlin says presenting a painting of Frankie Detorri to the sporting legend this week was one of the highlights of his life.

Sean Purcell who has made a name for himself creating art work of famous faces from stage, screen and sport added another big name to his portfolio when he got the chance to hand over his “Enable & Frankie” piece to racing’s greatest flat Jockey Frankie Dettori in a private meeting at Bellewstown last Thursday.

Dettori was in high spirits after winning the big race on the Johnny Murtagh trained Trueba in memory of his late friend and mentor Barney Curley who died in May.

Curley is famed in racing folklore for pulling off the Yellow Sam coup which took place at Bellewstown in 1975, which involved blocking the only public telephone box at the track.

As a result, it was arranged the Gannons City Recovery and Recycling Services Ltd. Supporting DAFA Handicap would be run to raise money for Direct Aid For Africa, a charity Curley set up to support the underprivileged people of Zambia.

Purcell who uses art as a reprieve from a chronic pain condition described what it was like meeting his hero. He said:

“I heard it mentioned a few weeks ago on the 'At The Races' channel on TV that Frankie was coming to the Barney Curley's fundraiser for DAFA. I knew this was a small window of opportunity to produce a painting perhaps worthy of Frankie's signature.

“I’m passionate about horses and wanted to paint “Enable” an outstanding filly with a highly illustrious career winning eleven victories at the top group one level including two in the Arc, Europe's richest race.

“In Frankie's own words "one of the great mares of our generation.”

“Bellewstown Racecourse General Manager, Kevin Coleman was instrumental in organising this private meeting for which I am so grateful.

“This week 25 years ago Frankie achieved the impossible, winning all seven races on the card now famously known as 'the magnificent seven. To think Frankie at 50 years of age is still achieving that level of success in flat racing today over younger riders is incredible.

“To finally meet Frankie in the flesh after following him for many years was a poignant moment, a highlight of my life.

“He was so generous with his time, meeting me and signing my painting, a total gentleman.”

After winning the race on Johnny Murtagh's Trueba, the crowd were eager to see his famous flying dismount and as a true showman he didn't disappoint according to Sean who said:

“The crowd were elated when he did that; it was an unforgettable day which I will always treasure.”

Frankie Detorri is not the only Horse racing legend that the Meath man has had the pleasure in meeting in the past. Recalling, he said:

“Through racing circles, I’ve been fortunate enough to have met Ruby Walsh, Tony McCoy, Mick Fitzgerald, Paul Carberry and Barry Geraghty among others over the years.”

“Prior to my illness I used to go racing quite a bit both here in Ireland and the UK. I love the atmosphere during a race and really admire the dedication of the jockeys knowing the sacrifices they make. “