Festival Spirit

By Caitriona Fenton

Built in 1936, Killarney racecourse is without a doubt the most picturesque track in Ireland, even in the driving rain that commonly accompanies race days. This week sees the July four-day festival taking place from Monday to Thursday. It is already shaping up to be a good warm-up for Galway, where it almost equals its racing and party atmosphere.

Monday kicked off the festival and the first race of the day was a 2-year-old maiden won by Cambina – a 5/1 shot trained by Tommy Stack and ridden by Wayne Lordan. The apprentice race went to Belle Noverre ridden by Martin Harley and trained by his brother Sean; he was backed from 6/1 into 9/2 and won by a length and a half. The third race of the day saw the 16/1 outsider Driveheron win by an impressive five lengths under jockey Shane Gorey. The 7:30 Handicap looked to be wide open with three horses co-favourites at 5/1. Crowning Moment seemed to benefit from blinkers which she wore for the first time by winning comfortably by ¾ of a length.

The feature race of the day was The J&B O’Sullivan Builders Ltd. Steeplechase and was won by Schelm ridden by David Casey. He jumped well throughout and went clear after the last to win in good style from Killenaule Boy in second and Tribes and Banner back in third. The second last race of the day was the 2½ mile maiden hurdle. Riverstown started the 5/4 favourite but ran disappointedly and Brog An Ri stayed on well to win under Shay Barry at 10/1. The Bumper wrapped up Monday’s card with Grey Express holding on to win by a neck from All For Free with the favourite Not For Converting in third place.

Tuesday was opened by the 3-year-old maiden which was won by the Aidan O’Brien-trained filly Ice Empress ridden by Sean Leavey. Fran Berry then stole the show, winning the next three races. The well-backed If Per Chance (11/4 fav) won the 1m½f handicap at his ease. The second instalment of the hat-trick came in the form of Kings Vintage trained by Tom Mullins however the best was saved for last. In the 7:10 race Berry drove out Alpine Eagle to just about hold off Pat Smullen on Mount Helicon in a thrilling finish. These wins put Berry two ahead of Smullen in the Jockeys’ Championship.

The bookies had a lucky break in the Novice Chase where the favourite Penny’s Bill pulled up with a circuit to go and second favourite Persian City fell four out. The Jimmy Mangan-trained Next Week led until two furlongs out but looked to tire and Glantara went on to win easily under Andrew McNamara. Barry Geraghty’s helicopter trip from Downpatrick certainly payed-off. His well backed mount Banna Man came in to win at 11/4 favourite which must have pleased the local connections. The final race on Tuesday was the handicap hurdle which went to the well-supported Keep It Cool ridden by John Cullen.

Today’s card holds plenty of promising races. There are some valuable races to look out for, the first of which is the fillies handicap of €23,500. Galianna could provide Pat Flynn and Shay Barry with their second winner of the week. The 2m6f Handicap Hurdle has a prize of €24,500 and could go to the progressive Your Busy who is owned by Irish Rugby star Ronan O’Gara. He has been successful in his last two outings however he might not appreciate much softer ground. Adenauer could be worth following in the Handicap chase although the Francis Flood trained Sharadi is the first reserve and would be my choice if he gets in.

Thursday brings some more open handicaps. In the 2m1f handicap hurdle De Senectute who is trained by Willie Mullins will take all the beating if she gets in following her recent win in Wexford. New Rules is entered in the 1m3f maiden and this recent bumper winner could be an interesting runner if taking part. Another eye-catching entry is Earls Quarter who finished third in the Goffs Land Rover bumper at the Punchestown festival. All in all I am looking forward to watching two more great days racing in person at my favourite track. I’m sure I won’t be disappointed!

By Caitriona Fenton