Summer wouldn’t be the same without Dingle Races

CHAIRMAN of the Dingle Races Colm Sayers is a man under starter’s orders right now as final preparations for Ireland’s best and most popular pony race meeting are underway. This year’s festival runs from August 10-12 when patrons get to enjoy top class pony racing with competitors from all over Ireland converging on Ballintaggart.

But staging the races is no mean feat as 26 acres of agricultural land must be converted into a racetrack by a hardworking group of volunteers, who appreciate the cultural significance of the races to Dingle. Once the sheep are done grazing, over 600 stakes must be driven into the ground to cater for 200 running rails. A parade ring is then assembled with marquees and lots more facilities added to give patrons that extra bit of comfort.

Pony racing is linked to the upper echelons of horse racing and the Dingle Race Committee recognise the important part its festival plays in helping to produce the jockeys of tomorrow. Top trainers across Ireland also pay close attention to the talented and up and coming young riders on show at Dingle.

There’s also a huge incentive for jockeys this year as the leading jockey of the festival will be awarded a scholarship to the British Racing School in Newmarket.

The Curragh Racing School will also have a tent at the races offering advice to young jockeys on health and nutrition, as well as a horse simulator where former jockey Paddy Flood will give aspiring riders a chance to fine tune their technique.

A shuttle bus will again trans- port patrons from Dingle town to the races, and this is proving a huge success as it lessens traffic flow and makes for a more relaxing day.

“This is where the jockeys all start and when you come racing in Dingle you can rest assured you are watching the best future jockeys in action. There’s now a more holistic approach to what young riders are learning during their time pony racing and we’re proud that our festival is a key component of this progression,” said Colm Sayers.

The action starts on Friday evening with an 8 race card, while Saturday’s action sees the eagerly contested Guinness Mile worth €2,400. The Dingle Races have always encouraged the participation of young girls in the sport, and the Dingle Ladies’ Derby is one of the most popular races over the three days. This year’s race is named in honour of the late Laura Barry - a young jockey who sadly died in July. The Laura Barry Ladies’ Derby will be the seventh race on Saturday’s card. Sunday’s showcase event is the Dingle Derby worth €5,000. This race has a rice history stretching back to 1895. Over the 3 days a remarkable total of €40,000 in prize money is up for grabs - a pot that is entirely self-raised by the committee through the support of its generous sponsorship.

“It’s thanks to local people and local businesses who give what they can that we’re able to keep the races going. I think Kerry people genuinely love the Dingle Races as it’s an important part of the summer. Everything is set for another festival and we hope people will come out and support what is a fantastic event,” said Colm.