Kilbeggan the venue for centenary celebrations by the ICA

Horse racing was arguably the most popular sport in Great Britain & Ireland in the late C19 when it was mainly considered a sport for men. The first woman to win the Aintree Grand National was a Westmeath woman Lady Margaret Nelson (originally Margaret Hope of Gartlandstown) wife of Sir William Nelson when Ally Sloper won in 1915. Since then many female owners, trainers, & jockeys have made a major contribution to the sport of kings and jockey's like Nina Carberry and Kathie Walsh are known outside the sport. Next Saturday 16th May commencing at 5.40Pm, Kilbeggan races will add another dimension to the above when the Irish Countrywomen's Association (ICA) will celebrate their 100th anniversary at Kilbeggan.ICAThe ICA was founded in Wexford in 1910 and since then has contributed much to Irish life. At that time Horace Plunkett the founder of the Co-Operative Movement said that 'better living' would come from the women of Ireland. The ICA now has 700 local guilds spread across the country offering an opportunity to make friends, learn new skills and contribute to the community. Since its foundation the ICA has contributed to bringing electricity, water, health improvements, education, arts & crafts and much more to rural Ireland. It should be a joyous occasion on Saturday with the emphasis on fun & entertainment with a Cheese and Wine Reception & hopefully a few winners for the members.Chasing winnersThe first meeting of the year was quieter than usual with many events on in the midlands. The jackpot was carried forward to the last meeting but with a 20/1 winner One Back for Luck and a 25/1 winner Champion Court in the bumpers the punters were never going to win it. With the new drainage now completed the chase track will be ready for next Saturday with a couple of interesting races in the Belvedere House Gardens and Park Handicap Chase of €17,500 sponsored by Westmeath County Council and also the Mullingar Beginners Chase. Paul & Carmel Fay, Granard are sponsoring a competitive handicap hurdle and FBD Insurance is generously sponsoring a 3 mile handicap hurdle of €20, 500, which should stimulate plenty of betting.Tote Go Racing ClubIn addition to the racing, Horse Racing Ireland have chosen Kilbeggan to launch their new Tote Go Racing Club. This club will be free to join and will offer race goers various incentives to go racing, such as discounted or free admission/packages, free tote bets, on course promotions, yard visits, tours of racecourses etc. It certainly should be worthwhile for each patron to check it out, as there might be opportunity for individuals & groups to enjoy an evening at the races & much more in future.With the unusual mixture of the ICA and Horse Racing Ireland, seven exciting races including three sponsored races, a fine May evening, everything is set for a cracking night out in Kilbeggan commencing at 5.40 Pm next Saturday.