Christy Doherty, head of Agriculture at AXA Insurance, Lauren Gavigan, AXA Insurance (who is from and lives in Killucan), Paddy Dunican, managing director of Kilbeggan Races, with Freewheelin Dylan for the launch of the AXA Farm Insurance Midlands National.

Freewheelin Dylan to defend crown at Kilbeggan

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Dermot McLoughlin’s stable star Freewheelin Dylan is set to return to Kilbeggan Racecourse on Friday July 9 to defend his AXA Farm Insurance Midland National title.

Since winning the flagship race at Kilbeggan races in 2020, Freewheelin Dylan, owned by Sheila Mangan and ridden by Ricky Doyle, went on to become the biggest-priced winner of the BoyleSports Irish Grand National, at 150-1.

The historic win on Easter Monday fulfilled a lifetime ambition for Dermot McLoughlin, who trains near Fairyhouse.

More than 33 entries have been received for the Kilbeggan highlight, including recent course winner The West’s Awake, trained by Edward O’Grady. Other strong entries include The Echo Boy and Jerandme, who were first and second in the Connaught National in Roscommon, while Punchestown Festival winner, Rapid Response, trained by Jessica Harrington, and Brian Boru, winner of the McHale Mayo National at Ballinrobe also hold entries.

Christy Doherty, head of Agriculture at AXA Ireland, said: "We are delighted to be able to support Kilbeggan Racecourse and the Midlands National. Kilbeggan racecourse is local to our new Agri Centre in Athlone, and it makes sense to give support local."

Paddy Dunican, Kilbeggan Races managing director, added: "The AXA Farm Insurance Midlands National has developed into one of the highlights of the summer racing calendar. We are really excited to see Freewheelin Dylan line up again this year to defend his crown. He is a bit of a Kilbeggan specialist, having won here three times already. He was such a game winner of the race last year; it is going to be an exciting and competitive renewal on July 9, which will take place behind closed doors.

"The continued support of AXA, one of Ireland’s leading insurance groups, now specialising in farm insurance, and the additional funding from Horse Racing Ireland, values the race at €75,000."

Jason Morris, director of Racing at Horse Racing Ireland, said that last year there was a strong renewal of the AXA Farm Insurance Midlands National and this year’s contest has drawn another very high calibre of entries, thanks to the significant €75,000 prize fund on offer for what is a prestigious contest.

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