The August summer holiday meeting at Kilbeggan Races

THE AUGUST SUMMER HOLIDAY MEETING AT KILBEGGANRACES

Scott Fitzgerald in The Great Gatsby that spoke about the familiar conviction that lifewas beginning over again with the summer. Life at Kilbeggan Races certainly hasthat summer atmosphere after the great success of the Midland's Nationalmeeting and the ever popular Best Dressed Ladies Competition. As everybody hasthat sunny holiday feeling in the first two weeks of August there is no betterplace to have a party than at the unique Saturday race meeting starting atKilbeggan at 5.30PM on 12^th August.

MIDLANDS NATIONAL MEETING

The Best Dressed Ladies competition was wonby Ursula Walsh, Tullamore, and it generated great interest, as the crowdsgathered for the feature race. The Midlands National was an outstanding successwith a big increase in the attendance. The Midland's National was first run atKilbeggan in 1997, when Mouse Morris's Cristy's Picnic won the race. There wasa touch of the Hollywood about that race as well- known Irish Film DirectorNeil Jordan was one of the owners. It took a piece of  ”magic”to win the race, celebrating its 20^th anniversary, and it was won bythe Tony Martin trained  Phil's Magic.The winner was backed down on the track from 6/1 to 7/2F and beat Mr Bossman (awinner at Kilbeggan in June) by a head in a driving finish. He was a half-brother to The Book Thief, who had twice won in Kilbeggan. The winner had beentrained by Sandra Hughes before her retirement and her dad Dessie Hughes hadwon the race twice. There was a local success when the Richard Cavanagh ownedNewsworthy (14/1) beat hot favourite Screaming Rose in the novice chase. Thewinner was well-named as he was trained by Dot Love, Mullingar and ridden verywell by claiming amateur Simon Cavanagh. Willie Mullins had a double withMystic Theatre (4/11) and Court Artist (7/2). He is leading trainer this seasonwith five winners and his jockey Paul Townsend also has 5 winners.

WEST COAST COOLER BEST DRESSED LADY COMPETITION

The August meeting is very much about taking time off from work,schools, and the pressures of daily life to draw a breath in the beautifulsetting of Kilbeggan races. Last year the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates, H.E. Dr.Saeed Mohammed Al Shamsi visited the course. He commented “In Dubai we have the richest racing in the world, but I am at the mostbeautiful racecourse in the world today”. As ManagerPaddy Dunican states “The Summer Saturday Festivalprovides excitement, colour, and thrilling racing in a brilliant atmosphere,because Kilbeggan Races is a unique social occasion. We believe that itprovides the heart-stopping spectacle of horse racing over jumps, with the laidback charm of a rural meeting. Our BestDressed Ladies have embodied class, style and confidence year after year, andthe competition is always a colourful and elegant affair. For this reason theAugust meeting is one of the highlights of our racing year”

 

Kilbeggan is  delighted to welcomeWest Coast Cooler on board sponsoring our Best Dressed Lady Competition. Thewinner will receive two nights' accommodation and two evening meals in theLuxurious Five Star Merchant Hotel Belfast for two people along with a €1500voucher for Victoria Square shopping centre Belfast plus VIP front row ticketsto Thursday and Friday night of the West Coast Cooler Fashion Week in Belfast.There is also a connection with New York when John Mahon originally fromLongford sponsors the Pig N'Whistle Pubs & Restaurant New York HandicapHurdle of €13,000. The Joe Cooney Memorial Mares Novice Hurdle of €10,500 isbeing sponsored by the Bank House Family. The original Joe Cooney Cup was firstraced for in 1958.It is interesting to note that last year'sleading trainer Gordon Elliott had two winners at the first meeting of the yearin April, but surprisingly has had no winners at the last fourmeetings. He might be worth following next Saturday, as he is due a few winners.

 

Admission for adults to the event is€15. OAP's & Students €12, Children under 16 free (freeentertainment for kids)We areoffering special discounts for staff, customers and friends for a group of 10or more, Special Discounted Admission of €12 per person. We also have ourSummer Party Pack which includes; Admission Ticket, €5 Drink Voucher, €5 FoodVoucher and Race Card at just €22 per person for a group of 10 or more. Booknow at www.kilbegganraces.com.  As a largecrowd is expected please arrive early for the first race at 5.30PM

 

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For Further information please contact:

Paddy Dunican

Tel: 057 933 2176, Email: info@kilbegganraces.com