Eddie and Patrick Harty to create history as Ireland's first joint-trainers

The Harty surname has been ingrained in Irish racing history from as early as 1860, but the family is now set to break new ground at Punchestown on Sunday with the father-and-son team of Eddie and Patrick Harty entering the record books as Ireland's first joint-training partnership.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board now permits individuals to join forces under the same licence – following the template set abroad – and the Curragh-based yard has taken the opportunity.

They saddle Lily Light Foot (3.50) and Whatucallher (5.00) in two handicap hurdles at Punchestown.

Cheltenham Festival-winning trainer Eddie, who turns 60 in July, said: "From our point of view, I'm young enough and poor enough not to be in a position to either be able to or want to retire, and Patrick is getting of an age now where he needs to be putting his footprint in the world.

Eddie and Patrick Harty: will send out Lily Light Foot and Whatucallher at Punchestown on SundayCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

"This is something we've been pushing for for a while. I'm glad it's come through and I'm glad we're the first to do it in Ireland."

He added of his 29-year-old son: "Patrick has been involved here since he was a kid and spent five years as Nicky Henderson's assistant in the interim. He's been a valuable part of the team and it's good to have him on the licence with a bit more responsibility."

Harty believes the IHRB's move to grant joint licences is a logical one that can help aspiring trainers.

"It makes a lot of sense going forward, both from an intergenerational and financial perspective," he said.

"It's a very expensive business to get into if you don't already have the premises and everything in situ. For a young person to go out on their own, it can be very difficult."

Read today's most popular stories . . .

'George thinks she'll run a big race' – Mystery Angel added to Oaks field

Covid travel issue could prevent Andre Fabre from adding to Royal Ascot tally

Welcome news for Irish racing with crowds allowed back at the Curragh for pilot

Members can click here to download the digital newspaper every evening from 9pm. Not a member? Click here to sign up and enjoy the digital newspaper every day.