Downings’ Terry Casey remembered on Grand National day

One of Donegal’s greatest sporting achievements was remembered at the weekend when Terry Casey trained the winner of the Grand National back in 1996.

Family and friends of the popular Downings man gathered to mark the 30th anniversary of his stunning victory in the world’s most famous horse race.

His horse Rough Quest surged late in the race under jockey Mick Fitzgerald to claim victory and ensure Terry’s place in history as the first and only Donegal man to train a Grand National winner.

But Terry and his team had an anxious 15-minute wait after the race before they could celebrate as the result was subject to a stewards inquiry.

Sadly, five years after enjoying his great Grand National victory Terry Casey passed away after losing his battle with cancer. He was just 56 years of age.

On Saturday his family and friends gathered in the Rosapenna hotel which is owned by Terry’s brother Frank to remember his proudest achievement.

Brothers of the late Terry Casey , Martin, Cathal and Frank pictured at the portrait of Terry and Rough Quest which was unveiled in the Rosapenna Hotel on the 30th anniversary of winning the Grand National. Photo Brian Mc Daid

They relived the moment watching the race from start to finish and they also enjoyed a special video message from the jockey Mick Fitzgerald who now works as a racing pundit with ITV.

He recalled his memories of the day and his close relationship with the man who delivered the highlight of his career.

“It is fantastic to remember Terry, what a good man he was and he gave me the best day of my riding career.

“What a special horse (Rough Quest) he was too, Cheltenham festival winner who finished second in the Gold Cup and went on to win the National.

“It is really sad Terry isn’t here to celebrate it with us but he is looking down on us for sure.

“Thanks again for one of the best days of my life,” he said.

A specially commissioned portrait of Terry with Rough Quest was also unveiled on the day.

It was painted by well-known St Johnston artist Marina Hamilton who was also a close friend of Terry Casey.

Marina a former jockey visited Terry at his yard in England and rode out with the trainer on his gallops.

“Terry was such a gentleman and a real talented trainer who knew how to get the best out of his horses,” she said.

“What he achieved in winning the Grand National was incredible coming from a place like Donegal which wasn’t known as a horse racing county. Terry did it the hard way and it was real honour to paint him and Rough Quest.”

Artist Marina Hamilton at the unveiling of her portrait of the late Terry Casey and Rough Quest pictured with his bother Frank who unveiled the painting. Photo Brian Mc Daid

Born in Downings, Terry began his racing career in the 1960’s when he rode for George Dunwoody – father of the former champion jockey Richard.

Terry and Richard forged a long friendship which lasted more than 30 years and when he passed away in 2001 Richard was the first to pay tribute to his good friend.

After retiring from race riding Terry moved to England to begin his training career and his first big success came in 1986 when he trained 20 to 1 shot Glenrue to win the Whitbread trophy.

A decade later he trained Rough Quest to finish second in the Cheltenham Gold cup before going on to win the Grand National and become the first favourite to win the race since 1982.