Another year of Kilbeggan racing ends
It is hard to believe that we have reached the end of another great year of racing at Kilbeggan which, like life itself, had a bit of everything – from a postponed meeting, to a visit from the President of Ireland.
The End of Season Celebration Meeting is on today (Friday September 7), starting at the earlier time of 4.30pm.
A great year at Kilbeggan Races
The quote “If you can dream it, you can do it” would apply to a small course like Kilbeggan, which continues to battle against the elements and the system to provide entertainment and great National Hunt racing.
Paddy Dunican, Manager states: “It’s been a fantastic year for us at Kilbeggan, with a significant increase in attendances and sponsorships, and has been driven by the thousands of people who supported us during our racing season.”
The three featured summer meetings, including two very successful Best Dressed Ladies competitions, brought a great atmosphere of fun and entertainment, in addition to distinguished visitors like the Hungarian, Moroccan, Chinese and British ambassadors, which added interest and an international element to the races.
President of Ireland Michael D Higgins attended the races, and met many people through the day, including champion trainers Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott.
Mighty Qatar Racing’s first win
Qatar Racing Ltd are one of the most powerful owners in world racing, and this year alone they own Roaring Lion, winner of the Group 1 Juddmonte International Stakes and the Eclipse Stakes, to become the highest-rated middle distance horse in Europe.
Sheikh Fahad had a few winners under his own name with Willie Mullins, but at the last Kilbeggan meeting, he had his first runner and first winner with Mullins under Qatar Racing Ltd, when Solindian (11/8F) won the bumper after a tough battle.
A number of very promising horses ran at the meeting, and they should be followed, such as Willie Mullins’ Mason’s Daughter, Solindian, and Henry de Bromhead’s Sir Benford Wales and Abbey Magic.
The highlight of the meeting was the brilliant riding of Rachel Blackmore on Sir Benford Wales, beating Willie Mullins’ Shush, and in particular, her ride on Abbey Magic, when she beat Davy Russell’s mount Its All Guesswork (an appropriate name for a horse!) by half a length, in spite of losing her irons at the last fence.
A highlight of the day was Noel Meade recalling the great career of Mick O’Toole the trainer, who died recently. In 1970, he had his first two winners at Kilbeggan with Pirate Gal (5/1) and his wife’s horse Lake Shore Drive (2/1) won the Tullamore Handicap on the flat carrying 7st 1lb with Michael Teelin riding. This was the year that this horse won 10 of his 22 races.
In 1982, his horse PoynzPass won at Roscommon on Monday, then was third at Sligo on Thursday, before winning again at Kilbeggan on Friday. Those were the days when horses were tough!
Friday’s last meeting of the year
The final meeting of the year has the featured Adare Manor Handicap Hurdle of €20,000 sponsored by JP McManus; the Midlands Breeders Supporting Kilbeggan Beginners Novice Chase sponsored by the Midland’s Breeders; AT THE RACES are sponsoring the Sky Sports Racing Launching in 2019 Handicap Steeplechase of €19,000; and the Pat Doyle Race, honouring a man who contributed so much to Kilbeggan Races.
The Greville Arms Hotel, Mullingar, is sponsoring the Leading Jockey Award, which will go to Paul Townsend with five winners. Paddy Dunican, Auctioneer and Valuer is sponsoring the Leading Trainer Award, and Willie Mullins is leading with nine winners with Gordon Elliott on seven and Henry De Bromhead on six winners. It could be a close contest between Ireland’s two leading trainers for this award.
Adult admission is €15, sStudents and OAPs €12, with group discounts and children under 16 free, including free entertainment. There is a Summer Party Pack for groups of 10 plus for €22 per person, which includes admission for one, a race card voucher, €5 food voucher and €5 drink voucher. Check www.kilbegganraces.com for further information.
As this is last meeting of the year, why not get together with a few friends and meet in Kilbeggan to enjoy the best of Irish jump racing. The first race begins at 4.30pm this evening.