Five sponsored races at Kilbeggan this Monday

The Kilbeggan Race committee is promising a top class race card for patrons and prize money totalling €75,500, tomorrow, Monday June 24 (6pm).

The last race day at Kilbeggan was a huge success, as the Knighthood Festival combined to provide a great family atmosphere in glorious sunshine. Paddy Dunican, secretary manager, said: “Kilbeggan has got off to a great start this year with an increase in attendance at our first three meetings. Our Sunday race meeting was an outstanding success, attracting our biggest crowd in five years.

“We have companies sponsoring five races at our race meeting on Monday, which is a huge achievement in the current economic climate.”

It was not a day for desperadoes but the Desperado syndicate from Wexford did well when Six Stone Ned 3/1 carrying 11st 12lbs won the novice, and later Noel Meade completed a double in the bumper with Devil’s Paintbrush (9/4) as Nina Carberry returned to form at Kilbeggan.

The great ride from Barry Geraghty in the handicap chase on Coolnagarna Giggs (3/1) certainly got the crowd going – it was like the good old days at Kilbeggan with sunshine and four favourites winning.

This is the 50th anniversary of the withdrawal of funds by the Racing Board in 1963, which looked like the end of racing at Kilbeggan, Thurles, Wexford, Laytown.

Hindsight shows that would have been a great loss to Irish racing. Five sponsored races next Monday shows Kilbeggan intends to provide great racing, with the Fay Bookmakers Handicap Hurdle sponsored by Paul and Carmel Fay; the T&V Novice Hurdle sponsored by Mullingar and North Westmeath Vintners Association; The Hurley Family Handicap Hurdle sponsored by Pat McCormack; the novice chase sponsored by the European Breeders Fund; and the maiden hurdle sponsored by Easyfix Rubber Products.

The latter race is part of a series of races called The West Awake, which are being run in conjunction with Ballinrobe, Roscommon, Sligo, and finishing at Galway’s September meeting.

The seven race card starts at 6pm with admission €12 and special family discount package of €20 for two adults and children U16 free.
Plus free combi castle and bouncing castle for kids.