BACK IN THE SADDLE
KILLARNEY Races enjoyed four days of top racing action with the best in fashion and racing on show. A visit from the 2018 Rose of Tralee, Kirsten Mate Maher, added to the opening day on Wednesday when she made her way, in style, to the course via helicopter where she received a warm welcome by racegoers.
As befits the most scenic racecourse in Ireland, the best in sartorial elegance is a big part of racegoers’ plans with Friday’s ladies’ day attracting the best of fashion. The prize for the best dressed lady was a €2,000 diamond ring, won by Eva Dunne, from Cork, for her stylish and unique Oriental-style outfit, complemented by a simple headpiece.
The best dressed man picked up an array of formal wear worth €1,000. The lucky chap on this occasion was Mícheal McCarvelle from Monaghan.
But there was much to admire on the track also with strong fields competing for sizable prize money over the four days. Wednesday’s feature race, The Racing Post Vincent O’Brien Ruby Stakes, was worth €50,000. This went to the Aidan O’Brien trained I Can Fly at 2/1. Thursday’s feature race was the KWD Kingdom Gold Cup Handicap, also worth a cool €50,000, which went the way of 14/1 shot, Brazos, for trainer John Joseph Murphy.
Friday’s main race was the At The Races Handicap Hurdle (€50,000) won by Lakemilan (12/1) for Terence O’Brien.
Friday also hosted a very successful Kerry GAA benefit night. Saturday’s feature race - The MSL Cork Mercedes-Benz Handicap Chase - went to Peregrine Run (6/1) for Peter Fahey.
The week’s action brings to an end a successful season of racing for Killarney Race Company with attendances up, and strong interest shown by trainers and owners across all meetings.