Trainer Henry De Bromhead welcomed Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, to his stables at Knockeen in Waterford on Thursday afternoon.
Stable jockey Rachael Blackmore was also there to present the Gold Cup winning horse, A Plus Tard, and the Champion Hurdle winner, Honeysuckle, among others, to the Duchess.
The Duchess asked what the plans are now for Honeysuckle and Mr De Bromhead revealed that she would be “taking a break” before aiming to return to Cheltenham again next year to try and win the Champion Hurdle for the third year in a row.
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Mr De Bromhead said Camilla would be “absolutely welcome” to have a horse in training in his famous yard in Waterford.
The back-to-back Cheltenham Gold Cup winning trainer also said he would like to see the Duchess again very soon when he brings Minella Times to the Grand National in Aintree to try and retain his crown.
He would get a chance to shake her hand again there if he wins the world’s most famous race because the Duchess of Cornwall will be presenting the winning trophy.
The trainer said: “Rachael and I were both saying we hope to see her there because she said she would be presenting the trophy for the Grand National, so it would be a good sign if we do happen to see her at that.”
Ms Blackmore said: “Hopefully we didn’t use up all our Grand National luck last year, hopefully we’ve a bit left for this year.”
And the Duchess said: “We’ll all be behind you.”
The Duchess has a keen interest in horses and has owned many in the past.
She was at ease with the horses and was happy to feed Honeysuckle, A Plus Tard and Minnela Times carrots.
The Duchess was impressed with the horses and said that she was “very envious” of Mr De Bromhead and Ms Blackmore.
After seeing Honeysuckle and A Plus Tard in the top yard, the Royal party went to see some horses in their stables, including Minella Indo and Poker Party.
The stable’s favourite pet, Socks, a Jack Russell, was at Mr De Bromhead’s heels at all times and when the Duchess asked about him, Mr De Bromhead said: "He’s the star of the yard.”
The tour continued to a schooling barn where the Duchess observed Notebook doing some light schooling behind closed doors.
Mr De Bromhead then showed the Duchess the yard’s horse spa, where horses can recuperate in a cold bath with epsom salts - the temperature can be also regulated.
The Duchess finished her tour of the yard by meeting and talking to all the stable hands and stables staff.
