Rural courses are vital, says Varadkar at Kilbeggan Races

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar went racing in Kilbeggan for the final meet of the season, mingling with the crowds, having the odd flutter for charity, and promising no increases to betting taxes.

“It’s a real pleasure to be here in Kilbeggan,” he said. “Peter Burke invited me to come along quite some time ago and while I couldn’t make the July meeting, I am delighted to be here today.”

The day was the culmination of another successful season for Kilbeggan, and An Taoiseach met with the Race committee, including chairman, Senator Paul Daly and manager Paddy Dunican, before touring the facilities and placing a number of charity bets.

“I’m aware of the enormous value of the small rural racecourses around the country, not just in terms of revenue and job creation, but also the important amenity they are for people – long may they prosper,” said Mr Varadkar.

The Taoiseach had come from Ballymahon, where he had turned the sod on the Center Parcs development. He said the evidence of the recovery could be seen in every county and in all parts of Ireland.

“But there are parts of Ireland where the economy hasn’t grown as fast as other parts and I think areas such as the midlands now need to accelerate, and it’s part of my job in government to make sure that happens,” Mr Varadkar said.

The second key element in driving the success of Kilbeggan is support from the business community, from SMEs to the multinationals, said Mr Dunican.

“Over the last three years our biggest growth in attendance has come from local companies bringing all their staff to days and evenings out,” he said.

“Our summer race meetings are vibrant social occasions and exciting events – it’s also a great place to meet friends and make new friends and it’s also a great place for customers to come and entertain the staff and sponsor races.”

An Taoiseach presented the 2017 Paddy Dunican Auctioneer and Valuer Leading Trainer Award to Ireland’s top national Hunt trainer Willie Mullins on the evening.

And to mark the occasion of the Taoiseach’s visit, chairman and Senator Paul Daly presented Mr Varadkar with a Kilbeggan hamper including Kilbeggan Organic Porridge and Cookies, Kilbeggan Chocolate and a specially labelled bottle for an Taoiseach of Kilbeggan whiskey.

On behalf of the business community, Dominic Doheny, Midlands Gateway Chamber and president of the Construction Industry Federation, welcomed the Taoiseach.

Mr Doheny said Kilbeggan’s success would not have been possible without the work of the voluntary committee, who were preserving a local racing legacy stretching back to 1840.

“You just have to take a look around at the investment that has taken place and the sense of pride the people of Kilbeggan hold it in, along with the people of the midlands,” said Mr Doheny.

On his tour of the race meeting Mr Varadkar visited the weighroom and the stewards and spoke to stipendiary steward, Peter Matthews.