McNamara's warrior proves a popular Kilbeggan winner
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Action at Kilbeggan Races last Sunday. Photos: Paul Molloy.Image 2 of 10
There was a feast of racing action for followers at Kilbeggan.Image 3 of 10
Tommy Fagan Athlone studying the form at Killbegan Races last Sunday.Image 4 of 10
Marian O’Shea and Sean O’Shea from Ballykeeran at Kilbeggan Races last Sunday.Image 5 of 10
Geraldine Campbell and Clare Fox from Kilbeggan cheering on their horse at Kilbeggan Races last Sunday.Image 6 of 10
Padraig Nannery from Kilbeggan, Pauline McLoughlin from Ballymahon and J J Hanlon from Kilclonfert at Kilbeggan Races last Sunday.Image 7 of 10
Keeping the course in good condition at Kilbeggan Races last Sunday.Image 8 of 10
J J Hanlon and Marie Hanlon from Kilclonfert at Kilbeggan Races last Sunday.Image 9 of 10
James Elliott, Senan Keena and Riann Fagan from Athlone at Kilbeggan Races last Sunday. Paul Molloy 2026Image 10 of 10
Shauna Burke from Rochfortbridge, Rosei Mulvaney, Annmarie Cahalan and Natasha Nooney from Mullingar at Kilbeggan Races last Sunday. Paul Molloy 2026Kilbeggan Races hosted its third race meeting of their 2026 season on Sunday, May 31, with the weather playing its part and remaining dry and bright for the day.
As well as seven exciting races on the day, it was also the Best Dressed Guy’s Competition, sponsored by GUY Clothing Tullamore. With some fantastic prizes on offer, including a €1,000 personal shopping experience in Guy Clothing for the winner.
Judges of the competition, TV3 presenter Alan Hughes and Country Music Legend Mike Denver had a very tough job in whittling down the 25 finalists to five before choosing their 1st, 2nd and 3rd placed gentlemen. Following a few brief words from Alan Hughes in the Parade Ring and in front of an eager crowd, it was Michael Fitzpatrick who was declared the winner. A sophisticated interpretation of contemporary formal fashion had emerged through a meticulously styled navy-blue ensemble that seamlessly blends classic tailoring with distinctive personal flair.
Michael’s look centred on a sharply tailored three-piece suit in a rich midnight navy tone, featuring a single-breasted jacket, matching waistcoat and trousers. Perhaps the most striking feature of the look was the wide-brimmed navy hat, accented with an elegant feather detail.
Of course, there was also horse racing! With seven races on the card, the feature race was The Guy Clothing & KODE Clothing & Footwear Handicap Steeplechase, over two mile and four furlongs and this went the way of Andrew McNamara’s Warriors Wood, whose 7-2 joint favourite, fended off Trasna Na Pairce from the Henry De Bromhead stable by 7 lengths, under jockey Brian Hayes.
Another really good performance on the day was Apple’s of Bresil, trained by Barry Connell and ridden by Sean Flanagan. He was very impressive when landing The Geoff Scally Centra Beginners Steeplechase over two mile and four. Also on the card, was a double for Cian Collins who won the Joe Quinn Transport Handicap Hurdle, with Blue Reed under Danny Gilligan and they teamed up again to win The Midland Veterinary Handicap Hurdle when Secret Rock fended off Walk Win. Also on the card, was a win for Local News in The Gannon Eco Novice Hurdle for Richard Hennessy who currently, has only two horses in his stable.
Along with some great horse racing and the Best Dressed Guy’s competition, there was also a fun-filled area for the younger audience in attendance, with queues for the bouncy castles, face painting, kids’ games and the ever-popular ice-cream van. John Molloy belted out the tunes in the marquee and was later joined by Mike Denver who sang some songs to the very excited crowd gathered in and around the marquee. With DJ music also playing throughout the day, outside the Pavilion, the atmosphere was almost as exciting as Westmeath winning the Leinster!