Axa Farm Insurance Midlands National back at Kilbeggan
The €100,000 AXA Farm Insurance Midlands National will go to post at Kilbeggan Racecourse on Friday, July 14.
The race which was promoted to graded status in 2022, is run over three miles and one furlong and is the flagship sporting and social event at the Westmeath racecourse and a highlight of the summer jumps season.
Trained by Gordon Elliott and ridden by Jack Kennedy, Hurricane Georgie took the honours 2022 with Rachael Blackmore riding Popong for Henry de Bromhead taking second place.
Christy Doherty, AXA Head of Agriculture, commented: “Horse racing in Ireland is steeped in history and success, with Irish horses and jockeys rated among the very best in the world. AXA shares these values of tradition and performance and is proud to be a supporter of the forthcoming mid-summer race meet in Kilbeggan.”
Paddy Dunican, Managing Director of Kilbeggan Races, said: “Our AXA Farm Insurance Midlands National is the highlight of our racing year. The massive prize fund of €100,000, makes it one of the most valuable and prestigious steeplechase races of the summer racing season, attracting high quality horses and creating very competitive and exciting racing. AXA are one of the top insurance groups in the world and number one insurance company in Ireland and we are delighted to be working with them.”
Jason Morris, Horse Racing Ireland’s Director of Racing and Strategic Projects, said: "The AXA Farm Insurance Midlands National race has now become firmly established as one of the highlights of the summer National Hunt programme, always attracting a high quality and very competitive field. Horse Racing Ireland is very appreciative of the continuing support of the sponsors AXA Farm Insurance, which enables HRI to offer prize money of €100,000 for Kilbeggan's feature event of its racing calendar."
The meeting also has a strong supporting card including the €25,000 Writech Group Handicap Hurdle.
Kilbeggan will also host the Bellamianta sustainable style ladies competition with a prize worth €5,000 including €1,000 cash.
The first race on July 14 is at 5pm. General admission €15. Students & OAPs €12. Special discounts available for groups of 10 or more. Book online to avail of a 10% discount.
Kilbeggan summer party packs available from only €23 for groups of 10 or more which includes admission, racecard, and a €10 food and beverage voucher.
Visit www.kilbegganraces.com for ticket discounts and information.