A big day for ladies at kilbeggan races
Kilbeggan Races will feature the twin attractions of the Best Dressed Lady competition and the Midlands National this Friday.
The mixture of great racing, fashionable dress, family fun, patrons punting, and music in the summer air, is simply the perfect day out. The great event takes place on Friday evening, July 17, at Kilbeggan Races, starting at 5.55pm.
One of the ultimate icons of beauty and class is undoubtedly Audrey Hepburn, so when she said “Elegance is the only beauty that never fades”, people in fashion listened. And, on Friday, elegance will be to the forefront, as the Dundrum Town Centre and Wineport Lodge yet again sponsor the Best Dressed Lady competition at the races.
The first prize will be worth in excess of €2,000. The prize includes a €1,000 shopping spree at Dundrum Town Centre, a Woman of Style Weekend at Wineport Lodge including a champagne dinner, lunch, culinary class, powerboat trip on the Shannon, spa treatments etc.
The event will kick off at 5pm, as finalists will be selected through the evening and be entertained at a champagne reception in the marquee. It’s an opportunity for anyone to conquer the fashion world, in their own way, and remember that style is eternal.
The Midlands National worth €50,000 has now established itself, as one of the most important races of the summer and the most valuable chase outside the festival meetings. It began in 1996 with a touch of Hollywood as director Neil Jordan and actor Stephen Rea had a share in the winner Cristy’s Picnic. In 2014, Caim Hill repeated his 2012 success and jockey Brian O’Connell had a double celebration, as his wife had a baby the day before.
In his final year of racing at Kilbeggan in 2014, Dessie Hughes was the winner of the big race and also leading trainer with eight winners. The best tip is to watch out for horses that had previously won a chase at Kilbeggan and you could get the winner at a good price.
Aside from the big race there is the Coola Maiden Hurdle, again sponsored by Tom Lynam, Treasurer on the committee; the Tom McCormack Memorial Hurdle in honour of the former Secretary of the committee; the Michael Moore Car Sales Mercedes Benz Handicap Hurdle, sponsored by Michael Moore Car Sales; and the novice chase is generously sponsored by the European Breeder’s Fund.
The other unique sponsorship is the Sean Kane 70th Birthday Remembrance Race, which is the bumper. Sean from Ballyhaise, Cavan, was a proud family man who loved horse racing, especially at Kilbeggan. His wife Mary, his family, and dear friends joined together to celebrate his life and remember him on his 70th birthday. He had his own horse “Daddy’s Dream” to cheer on and, no doubt, Sean will be watching over Kilbeggan next Friday, cheering on the winner, with a smile on his face.
ENTERTAINMENT
Live music, children’s entertainment, the glamour of the Best Dressed Lady competition and great racing, provides all ages with an opportunity to enjoy themselves in good company. Admission for adults is €13; students & OAPs: €10; with discounts for groups and children under 16 free. See www.kilbegganraces.com for more details.
With a seven race card and every ingredient for a great evening, punters are advised to come early and take in the atmosphere. Remember the first race is on at 5.55pm.
For further information please contact - Tel: 057 933 2176 or email: racing@kilbegganraces.com