KILBEGGAN’S SUMMER OF RACING FESTIVAL NEXT SATURDAY
2nd August 2018
When you read the words “Summer Festival” there is an instinct to think of music, parades, dressing up, sport etc and of course you would be right, because that is exactly what you will get next Saturday 11th August starting at 5.20 PM on Kilbeggan Racecourse. The Summer Saturday Festival of Racing is all about people enjoying themselves, as the many supporters of all ages, who have attended over the last few years will confirm, by attending this exciting event with their friends and families.
PRESIDENT MICHAEL D.HIGGINS AND THE MIDLAND’S NATIONAL MEETING
The Midlands National Race Meeting was an outstanding success with the President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins in attendance in the midst of the big race and the Best Dressed Lady Competition. It was a great occasion for all the people who attended and met the President, as he strolled amongst the people enjoying the racing and chatting with people like young jockey Jack Kennedy. Paddy Dunican, Manager stated “we were deeply honoured and very privileged to have President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins and First Lady Sabina Higgins at our race meeting on July 20th last. It was the first time for the President of Ireland to attend Kilbeggan Races and we experienced a big increase in attendance on the evening”.
Our two top trainers were in attendance and in great form for punters as Willie Mullin’s won the first two races with Robin De Carlow 4/7 and Dreamtide 2/1.These two horses could be worth following as Willie has won these races previously with good horsest. Dreamtide is a half- sister to his top class horse Wicklow Brave and like him will also run on the flat. Gordon Elliott had a treble with the very useful Barra (5/4F) winning the novice chase and debutant Braid Blue (7/4F) won the bumper. He had the winner of the Midland’s National with J.P.McManus’s Timiyan (12/1) defeating former Irish Grand National winner Rogue Angel in a thrilling finish for the crowd. Gordon Elliott was quoted afterwards as saying” I knew barring a disaster we were going to have a one –two, so it’s great”. If only he had said that to punters before the race- such is life!
BRENT POPE AND SUMMER FESTIVAL MEETING ON THE “RHODE” TO SUCCESS
Kilbeggan town had the opportunity to become part of Offaly in 1898 but declined. However, Offaly racegoers are great neighbours and supporters of Kilbeggan Races. The Devitts, Doheny, & Nesbitt Maiden Hurdle of €11,500 is generously sponsored by Tom & Paul Mangan of the Mangan Group Dublin, Tom Mangan is originally from Rhode in Co. Offaly. The Pig ‘N’ Whistle Pubs & Restaurants Hurdle is sponsored by John Mahon of New York, who is originally from Co. Longford, but living in New York. The “Locky Murphy Toyota Sandyford Best Dressed Lady Competition” is being supported by a new sponsor Locky Murphy of Toyota Sandford. There is a fabulous prize worth over €5,000 including a Brand New Toyota Hyrbrid CHR for 1 year + €500 petrol voucher & free road tax. Toyota Sandford is one of the biggest Toyota dealerships in Ireland and Locky coincidentally is also originally from Rhode in Co. Offaly. The Joe Cooney Cup is being sponsored by the Bank House Family and this cup dates back 60 years this year.
Brent Pope is judging the Best Dressed Lady Competition and he can only be described as an “honoured Irishman” because of his popularity in this country. This remarkable man played rugby for Otago and New Zealand and coached it in Ireland. He has been a TV analyst, journalist, after dinner speaker, charity supporter, author of children books, a biography and a book on mental health (which he has spoken about in public); founder of Outside in Art Gallery in Dublin, and owner of POPE shirts and shoes. The 6ft 4 inch giant will be a welcome addition to this great occasion. Admission for adults to the event is €15. OAP’s & Students €12, Children under 16 free (free entertainment for kids).We are offering special discounts for staff, customers and friends for a group of 10 or more, Special Discounted Admission of €12 per person. We also have our Summer Party Pack which includes; Admission Ticket, €5 Drink Voucher, €5 Food Voucher and Free Race Card at just €22 per person.
This is the big Holiday Meeting of the year with people travelling from home and abroad to enjoy the August heat and holiday atmosphere. It’s about the young at heart, the joy of youth, the beauty of clothes, the laughter of children, the sound of music, the thrill of racing, and the memorable occasion of a special and rare moment in your life. Come next Saturday to experience it and remember the first race is at 5.20PM
For Further information please contact:
Paddy Dunican
Tel: 057 933 2176, Email: info@kilbegganraces.com