AXA Midlands National takes place at Kilbeggan on Friday

One hundred years ago in 1918 a paper stated, “as if by magic immunity from the artificiality of modern times, the Kilbeggan meeting has preserved to this day, all the tenures of the old-fashioned Irish race meeting – with its picturesqueness, its light heartedness, its sociability amongst the people mingling on the course”.

These words still echo what Kilbeggan Races means to people of all ages, even more so in the modern world of the social media. The races are on Friday evening, July 8, with the first race at 5.20pm. And it will be different in that the AXA Farm Insurance Midlands National, which is the highlight of Kilbeggan’s racing year, has been upgraded to a Grade B race, with the prize fund increasing from €75,000 to €100,000.

It will be the first time for Kilbeggan to stage a Graded race, which together with the 25% increase in prize money, will help to further attract better quality horses and create more competitive and exciting racing.

€100k Midlands National

Kilbeggan Races dates back to 1840 and since then many great horses have raced on the track from Gold Cup winner Koko to dual Aintree Grand National winner Tiger Roll. Perhaps this might be the year of another future champion in the Midlands National.

Paddy Dunican, Managing Director of Kilbeggan Races, said: “We are delighted that the AXA Farm Insurance Midlands National race has been upgraded to a Grade B race. With the support of our sponsor AXA Farm Insurance and Horse Racing Ireland, the prize money has increased from €75,000 to €100,000.

“We are excited to see some top-quality runners due to the improved status and increased prize money on offer. The aim has always been to have a graded race at Kilbeggan, so it’s great to see our vision come to fruition on Friday July 8.”

Christy Doherty, AXA Head of Agriculture, commented: “AXA Farm Insurance are delighted to continue our sponsorship of the Midlands National for the fourth year.

“The Midlands National is a very important event for our business as it provides us with the opportunity to engage with our customers at our local racecourse on their biggest race meeting of their season.”

Jason Morris, Horse Racing Ireland’s Director of Racing and Strategic Projects, said: “The AXA Farm Insurance Midlands National race has become a real feature of the summer National Hunt programme and Horse Racing Ireland is delighted that the quality of runners in recent years has justified the race’s promotion to a Grade B race, giving Kilbeggan a well-deserved first Black Type race.”

In addition, Writech Group of Mullingar are sponsoring a new feature handicap hurdle of €25,000 to further support the meeting and attract better quality horses. Writech based in Mullingar is leading the industry worldwide in developing cutting edge technology to design and manufacture fire protection systems for many of the biggest global technology companies in the world.

Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey are sponsoring a hurdle race and there is a strong historic association of the Locke family being involved locally in Kilbeggan Races back to 1840. The Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase at the meeting often produces useful chaser for the future.

Alan Wright of Writech said: “The Writech Group are delighted to support Kilbeggan Race Course on Midlands National Day. We are also looking forward in welcoming some of our esteemed clients to the event which shall be a very enjoyable occasion not to mention demonstrating the uniqueness of the Midlands Region.

“We would like to thank Paddy Dunican and his team for the professionalism they have shown in assisting us on our Corporate Day in 2022.”

The Midlands National race meeting is the highlight of our racing year and the event has been described in many quarters as the social event of the year in the Midlands. Kilbeggan is all about the joy of the moment, whether it is a horse winning, a crowd cheering, friends laughing, families meeting, fashion dazzling, glasses clinking, music pleasing, or bookies paying.

Willie Mullins has raced some very useful horses at Kilbeggan over the years and as his father the great Paddy Mullins stated in 1993: “There is a great buzz to it, unlike some of the deadly meetings we have to attend during the year.” There are seven races on the card and it all kicks off at 5.20pm on Friday July 8.

Sustainable Style…

The Bellamianta Sustainable Style Ladies’ Competition, with a prize worth €5,000 including €1,000 cash sponsored by Bellamianta Luxury Tanning and AXA, will take place at Kilbeggan Races.

We are encouraging all of the wonderful ladies to show us their upcycled outfits, favourite ethical brands, whether it be thrifted, borrowed or handmade, with headwear an optional extra. The celebrity judge on the day will be Mark Rogers.

The fantastic prize for the winner includes: Bellamianta Luxury Tanning – a year’s supply of Bellamianta Luxury Tanning products for you and a friend, Annutri – six months’ supply of Grow It and Scalp Brush, CASMARA – Infinity Limited Edition Box, TRUE BEAUTY by Aideen Kate – Full Cosmetics Collection, KOTANICAL – Diffuser Blend Bundle, POLISHED LONDON – dental products, DECLARÉ – skincare products, GLOV – Makeup Removal Products, LINEN SHIRT COMPANY – High-End Irish-Linen Shirt, PELO – One year’s hairdressing, BODY BYRNE – four personal training sessions with celebrity trainer Paul Byrne, VODUZ – hair tools and products and €1,000 in cash.

Our normal admission ticket to our race meetings is €15. We are offering special discounts for staff, customers and friends on admission tickets at €12 each for groups of 10 or more. We have our Special Discounted Summer Party Pack for €23 per person which includes admission ticket + 2 X €5 food/ drink vouchers and free race card for groups of 10 or more.

Book tickets online to avail of our discounts at kilbegganraces.com.