Kilbeggans first race meeting of the year approaches

In June 1995 Peter O’Hehir reported in The Irish Field “that after weeks of dead and depressing midweek action, Kilbeggan was like a different world last Monday, when a crowd of 5,500 thronged the enclosure to enjoy the track’s first meeting of 1995. The buzz is back”.

In an appropriate coincidence at the same meeting a 21-year-old jockey called Anthony McCoy did his chances of getting the number one job at Martin Pipe’s Pond House Stable no harm by winning his first Irish chase, aboard Crogeen Lass (4/1) for local trainer PJ Casserley.

A young amateur, Timmy J Murphy, also rode the bumper winner that day before his career also led to Marin Pipes stable.

Kilbeggan Races always provides something different, which is why patrons look forward to the opening meeting of the season (racing starts on Friday April 24 at 5.15pm).

A great year in 2014
Last year was one of the most successful in modern times with an increase in those attending, especially for the July and August meetings. The fine weather brought a spread of age groups from babies to grannies, from teens to veterans of racing, families to friends, tourists to travellers, all having a good time.

Many useful horses ran in Kilbeggan, including Galway winners Greatness and Lucky Pat (Dot Love), Pink Hat, Bally Longford, Cailin Annamh, Queen Alphabet and Seefood. The remarkable Caim Hill won the Midlands National from Rivage D’Or and Fever Pitch to repeat his victory of 2012. Rivage D’Or 16/1 went on to win the Glenfarclas Handicap Chase (Cross Country) at the Cheltenham Festival, even surprising Michael O’Leary his owner, who had tried to sell him a few months before.

He had gone for lunch and didn’t look at the race until the last few furlongs but was delighted with his second win of the meeting. Another Cheltenham winner Cause of Causes had won his maiden hurdle at Kilbeggan.

First meeting of the year
Manager Paddy Dunican and the staff have been working hard on improving the track over the winter and spring. Major work has been carried out on the bend on the far side of the track ('Gannon’s Bend’) developing an additional 15 metres of racetrack, which will create a better and safer surface.

Next Friday three races are being sponsored in a seven-race card, including a handicap hurdle of €9,500 sponsored by the Greville Arms; the mares Beginners Chase of €14,000, sponsored by the European Breeder’s Fund; and the Sean Hughes Memorial Mullingar Park Hotel Handicap Chase of €11,500, sponsored by the Mullingar Park Hotel.

The first meeting of the year has a special place in the hearts of racegoers. Arrive early, take in the atmosphere, and if you want a tip for the year, remember that in 1995 seven horses won twice – maybe it could happen again in 2015...

Like everyone who loves horse racing, the Kilbeggan Executive wish AP McCoy the best on his retirement. He will be missed.