Belvedere Handicap Chase among major races at Kilbeggan this Friday

Kilbeggan Races kicked off a few weeks ago but unfortunately punters were penalised with a series of showers, which kept them out of touch with winners, no matter how many tries they made.

The presence of the Tullamore Rugby Club on Friday evening, May 17 at 5.40pm to celebrate their 75th anniversary after the most successful year in their history, might inspire them to score a win next Friday.

It promises to be a great occasion for the club and there should be a large crowd present to enjoy the atmosphere and occasion.

Kilbeggan has a great connection with Tullamore as it was part of the Tullamore Poor Law Union in the 19th century, before joining with Westmeath for the County Council elections in 1898.

In 1913 Tullamore jockey Jim McLoughlin was asked by everyone in Tullamore if he would win the first race at Kilbeggan on Footsteps Fearless and he replied “there is nothing to beat her except Lady Fitz”. How right he was as the latter scooted home but it didn’t do punters much good!

The Club was founded 75 years ago and this year they won the Midland League, the Provincial Towns Cup, Leinster Jl, and Ulster Bank All Ireland League Round Robin at national level. This means that they will compete at All Ireland League level next season.

In addition the club was awarded the Leinster Rugby Club of the year award and their captain Aaron Deverell was awarded the Leinster Club Player of the Year.

Members are looking forward to bringing their trophies to Kilbeggan Races to celebrate their memorable year. Kilbeggan Race Committee will be making a special presentation to the Tullamore Rugby Club to mark their outstanding achievement.

Next Friday’s meeting has a great card featuring two major races in the FBD Insurance Handicap hurdle over 3 miles and the Belvedere House, Gardens, and Park Handicap Chase sponsored by Westmeath County Council.

A great feature of the first meeting was the changes made on the race card – it was colourful with photos of the jockeys, a new logo for Kilbeggan Races and more detail about the jockeys, trainers, breeders.

It is amazing the information you can get from the race card such as trainers from all four provinces had winners and three winners came from the Carlow/Kilkenny area.

It could be worthwhile purchasing a race card and you might get a few winners. Mark Michael McNiff a trainer from Sligo had a first and last race double with Seskinane and Balboni.

Next Friday’s meeting has all the ingredients of a great evening and there should be a brilliant atmosphere with the Rugby Club event, lively music and if we get just a touch of sunshine bring all your friends and you will have a great time starting at 5.40pm.