Killarney racing festival heralded a huge success
Wednesday August 25 2010
THE annual Killarney four-day August races, which concluded the final meeting at this hugely popular track, for this season, was a magnificent success story.
Over the four days a real carnival atmosphere prevailed, with huge attendances each day enjoying the best of flat and national hunt racing in one of the most idyllic surroundings in the world. Michael Lucey, course secretary spoke to The Kerryman at the conclusion of the meeting and reflected:
" We were delighted with Tuesday as we held our own attendance-wise, Wednesday went down really well, it being family day, and was very well supported. Bookmakers and tote were up 50,000 and 20,000 respectively.
"Ruby Walsh was a big attraction, riding his first winner at Killarney since his return from injury, after a four-month layoff through injury, and we had a really great attendance.
"Thursday produced some outstanding racing, which the crowd really enjoyed, and with many fancied horses obliging, patrons went home very happy.
Indeed, we had a marvellous finish up on Friday, where the weather was just fantastic, and the major attraction of the Best Dressed Lady competition was a hugh draw, and was a great success.
"Overall we had brilliant crowds, we were blessed with the weather, and our ground was perfect for racing, which drew lovely favourable comments, from trainers Dermot Weld and Tommy Stack, and was a credit to Padraig Bruton and the staff here," Mr Lucey added.
Jockey Shay Barry was injured in the feature race on Thursday, following a fall from the ill fated Hairy Molly.
Speaking to the turf club chief medical officer doctor Adrien McGoldbrick said: "Shay Barry was in severe pain, in the pelvic area, following his fall, and was very shocked. It took an hour to stabilise him before he was transferred to Kerry General Hospital.
"I want to compliment the local Order of Malta for their outstanding expertise in dealing with him, and the other incident during the evening when jockey Alan Cawley suffered a dislocated shoulder and is okay.''
Meanwhile, Kerry's final race meeting of the season, takes place at Listowel racecourse, where Ireland's leading harvest festival takes place from Sunday to Saturday, September 12 to 18.
- Pat Griffin
