Solitary Man wins Midlands National at Kilbeggan Races

Glorious weather greeted patrons and racing enthusiasts on Friday as Kilbeggan Races hosted its big meeting of the season with an impressive card that included the €100,000 Kilmurray Group Midlands National.

Supporters witnessed a brilliant performance from Solitary Man, who stormed to victory in the main event of the evening. The winner is trained in County Limerick by Enda Bolger, one of Ireland’s most respected trainers and a multiple champion in the cross-country discipline.

Solitary Man was given a confident ride from Aidan Kelly, on his first day as a fully-fledged professional jockey. In what was Bolger’s first time to land the Midlands National, he also saddled the third placed Pride of Place.

Solitary Man has gone from strength to strength over fences and the talented eight-year-old had already enjoyed listed success over hurdles, building an impressive record, particularly at Killarney, before adding this prestigious Midlands National title to his growing CV.

There was great excitement in the parade ring following the Writech Handicap Hurdle as top English jockey Harry Cobden rode his first winner in Kilbeggan, when he steered the Tony Mullin’s trained Paul’s Dream to victory and received a rapturous reception in the winners’ enclosure.

A trip to the United States is on the cards for this likeable mare, to try and win back the race that was won by Grabel for Tony’s father, the legendary Paddy Mullins, in Kentucky, back in April 1990.

Friday's meeting was not just about the horse racing and there was major interest in the Kilbeggan Races Ladies Day competition. Joice De Silva wowed head judge Sarah Jane Foster with her elegant, beautifully styled look to take home the coveted Kilbeggan Races Ladies Day title. Joice’s winning outfit stood out among a fantastic field of competitors, with the five finalists showcasing impeccable attention to detail, stunning millinery and timeless race day style.

As the Ladies Day champion, Joice won an incredible prize package worth €4,000, including €3,000 cash; a three-course meal for two at The Old House Restaurant, Annebrook House Hotel, Mullingar; a jewellery gift bag from Red Earth Mullingar and Choko Jewellery; a voucher from Clypso Hair Salon; a beautiful bouquet from Theresa Nixon Florist, Mullingar; a luxury hamper from Mullingar Pharmacy and a bottle of Prosecco from Wines Direct Mullingar.

The Kilbeggan Races committee is extremely grateful to everyone who took part, their wonderful sponsors, and to Sarah Jane Foster for selecting this year’s deserving winner. The style, creativity and atmosphere made it another unforgettable Ladies Day at Kilbeggan Races.

With such an incredible standard of style on display, selecting the five finalists and eventual winner was no easy task. Sarah Jane’s eye for elegance, creativity and attention to detail helped make this year’s competition one to remember.

Children in attendance at the race meeting were entertained with bouncy castles, face painting and games, while there were also stilt walkers, drummers and fire blowers, much to the delight of all.

The next Kilbeggan race meeting takes place on Friday, July 24.

List of winners

The following are the winning connections who celebrated success on Midlands National Day at Kilbeggan Races on Friday.

Luciole Des Bordes – The Betxs Mares Maiden Hurdle (Trainer: Willie Mullins; Jockey: Paul Townend; Owner: Luke McMahon).

Imarajan – The Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey Maiden Hurdle (Eoin Doyle; Paddy Cody and Ms G C Murphy).

Paul's Dream – The Writech Handicap Hurdle (Anthony Mullins; Harry Cobden; Shoot A Hoop Syndicate).

Solitary Man – The Kilmurray Group Midlands National Handicap Chase (Enda Bolger; Aidan Kelly; Aidan Kelly).

Charlie Luciano – The Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase (Noel Meade Noel; Conor Stone-Walsh; FJ Carragher).

Boston Bobby – The Larrigy’s Pub Handicap Hurdle (Philip Rothwell; Tiernan Power Roche; Tadhg Moynihan).

Knocknagoran Lady – The New Forest Estate & Golf Club Handicap Hurdle (Cian Hughes; Daniel King; Noel Flanagan).