A family man who loved horse racing has had a cup race named in his honour.
Patrick Phillips, 62, of Caerphilly, passed away in August last year from a heart attack.
Friends and family decided to honour the well-known Mr Phillips by raising money to sponsor a race at this year’s Tredegar Farmers Hunt Point-to-Point horse race meet, being held in Lower Machen on Saturday May 2.
Friend Robert Hughes knew Mr Phillips for 15 years after the pair met at the King’s Arms pub in Caerphilly town.
Mr Hughes, who came up with the idea of creating the Patrick Phillips Cup, said: “Patrick had been a guest of mine at the Point-to-Point over several years and he would have thought it something special to have a race named in his honour.”
Son Greg Phillips said: “Originally from Dublin, Dad moved here 38 years ago and he always loved horse racing.”
Mr Phillips’ youngest son Ciaran added: “It’s brilliant. He always shunned the limelight, so it’s ironic he’s got a race named after him.”
Regulars at the King’s Arms and several local businesses have contributed funds for the cup, which will be contested annually at the Point-to-Point meet.
• The Tredegar Farmers’ Hunt Point-to-Point Steeplechases is being held on Saturday May 2 at Rhyd-y-Gwern in Lower Machen from 2pm.
For more information call Colin Cross on 02920 866453.