'This was one I wanted to get on the CV - it means so, so much' - famous success for local trainer as Laytown stages annual beach party

The sky above was darker than 50 Shades Of Grey. The downpour that arrived about an hour and a half before the opener prompted the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board to post that the "situation regarding this fixture was being monitored". Rumour has it there was some standing water spotted on the sand!

We somehow managed to stay dry for the first two races. Laytown is so lovely in the sun, it has a golden glow that makes you feel like you're somewhere like Santorini. When it rains it looks like a gone-off cauliflower and, lo and behold, we got soaked just after Dylan Browne McMonagle gave Amanirenas an amazing ride to win the 6f handicap. 

• Life's a beach: stunning shots from one of racing's most unique meetings at Laytown 

The torrential showers could not dampen the spirits of local trainer Eamon Delany, who was fighting back the tears following Lohengrin's emphatic victory in the 7f maiden under Jordan Gainford. It was a lifelong ambition for Delany to get a winner here and, don't forget, you only get one chance every year.