It was a very good week for one Galway photographer, whose photograph was presented to President Barack Obama on St Patrick’s Day.
Equine photographer Martina Regan was specially commissioned by Obama’s cousin Henry Healy from Moneygall in Co Offaly to create a portrait that captured the prominence of the thriving horse racing and breeding industry in Ireland.
The commissioned photograph shows Ireland’s last Cheltenham’s Gold Cup winning duo, jockey Davy Russell and the now famous Lord Windermere, who won the prestigious race in 2014.
Shot at Jim Culloty’s yard in Churchtown, the captivating image illustrates the bond between jockey and horse and was presented to President Obama at the White House on Tuesday.
“It is one of honesty, trust, mutual respect and above all, the will to win,” explained Regan.
“We have a massive pride in horses and horse racing in Ireland. Our bond between horses and people – whether they are professional jockeys, leisure riders or trainers – it runs deep and is one which is deeply respected and valued. So capturing the relationship between Davy and Lord Windermere was an incredible experience to be part of,” explained Martina.
