‘A symbol of endurance, heart, and homegrown grit’: Man completes 15,500 km journey to visit Gatton races
An 81-year-old Irish man who has been an avid watcher of the Gatton Cup from his home in Kilkenny for years says he was deeply moved by the hospitality and warmth of the locals making the 22 hour trip worth every minute.
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It was a special day for almost 2000 attendees at the Lockyer Valley Race Day on Saturday but none were more excited than 81-year-old Eamon Cunningham who travelled all the way from Ireland to be in attendance.
From his home in Kilkenny Mr Cunningham has religiously watched the Gatton Cup for years with his son Eddie saying he holds it with same reverence as the Royal Ascot.
“To him, the Gatton Cup isn’t just a race — it’s a connection to the sport he loves, a symbol of endurance, heart, and homegrown grit.”
Mr Cunningham who has been battling a heart condition and recently underwent surgery to extend his life by three years was told by his doctor that this may be his last overseas trip and he knew he had to make it to his beloved race.
Alongside 15 of his sons, daughters, in-laws, and grandkids Mr Cunningham made the 22 hour journey to Gatton and was all smiles throughout the day.
“I’ve always been involved in horse racing and I had a great many horses back in my younger life,” Mr Cunningham said.
“I have some friends who came out to the races in 2016 from Ireland and they said if you can ever get out here make sure to go to that meeting because it is a brilliant day out.
“I spoke to a couple of the people involved in the management of the racing and their connections reach all the way back to Kilkenny and they knew some people who aren’t too far away from where I live.
“It is a very long journey coming from Ireland but It was vitally important for me to get out here.”
Mr Cunningham said he was blown away not just by the races but the kindness he had received from the locals.
“Oh my god it was brilliant, country meetings, it's hard to beat them, the hospitality and all they did for us was amazing,” he said.
“We had a brilliant day, they got us complimentary seats and I want to thank them for their hospitality.
“I’ve come from a place called Gowran Park, it’s a small country village and their big race is the Thyestes Chase and we like to think we have a good atmosphere but it was nothing like what I encountered on Saturday.
“It is an unusual in the sense that not too many people back home would come and meet and greet you to the same extent and talk at length with you I was very impressed all together.
“When people came up to meet me I couldn’t believe it.”
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Originally published as ‘A symbol of endurance, heart, and homegrown grit’: Man completes 15,500 km journey to visit Gatton races
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