Limerick Racing News-Continued success for Conor McNamara

Limerick Racing News 

Croom trainer Andrew McNamara was on the score sheet at Thurles on Thursday where Still Alive recorded a clear-cut success in the 2m handicap hurdle. Running in the colours of McNamara’s wife Kathleen, the five-year-old was in front over the penultimate flight and was a comfortable five-length winner at the line.

The 10/1 chance was ridden by Darragh O’Keeffe. Richard O’Brien was a winner again at Dundalk on Friday night where Cautious Approach landed the 8f maiden. Completing a treble for Ronan Whelan, the 4/1 chance carried the colours of the Cautious Approach Syndicate and was never far off the pace, getting back on top over a furlong from home and running out a cosy winner from outsider Mutadaawel. 

Rathkeale conditional rider Conor McNamara was first off the mark at Naas on Sunday where he partnered Espanito Bello to a one length success in the 2m3f opportunity maiden hurdle. The first of two winners on the day for Curragh trainer Alan Fleming, the 20/1 chance was a bumper winner at the same venue on his last appearance 14 months ago. It was a fourth winner of the season for the 19-year-old son of trainer Eric.

Other Racing News:

HRI seeking expressions of interest for a second all-weather track 

Horse Racing Ireland is seeking expressions of interest from existing racecourses and prospective new venues in relation to the development of a second all-weather track in Ireland. The announcement follows a decision taken by the Board of HRI at their March meeting and forms part of a strategic ambition to grow participation levels and opportunities in the Irish racing industry. Horse Racing Ireland CEO, Brian Kavanagh said:

“Dundalk has proven the demand for a high-quality all-weather racing product and has played a vital role in sustaining the racing industry and employment in flat yards throughout the winter months. It has also served as a shop window for our breeding industry with strong international demand for horses with proven ability. It came across clearly in our consultations and public roadshows last year that there was a demand from the industry for a second all-weather facility.

The Board has recognised the role which a second all-weather track can play in creating further employment and increasing opportunities for owners, horses, trainers and jockeys. The development of a second all-weather track in Ireland will require significant investment by the racecourse owners and by Horse Racing Ireland and, funding permitting, we would like to see one introduced by 2021. We are therefore writing to existing racecourses to gauge the levels of interest in such a proposal and inviting interested parties to come forward with their proposals for discussion and consideration.” 

HRI announce first official fixture at Curragh for May 6 

The transformative two-year building project, completing an overhaul of the headquarters of Irish racing, will be unveiled to the public on May 6 when the newly–developed Curragh racecourse will host its first full race meeting.

The original programme scheduled for the Curragh on Saturday, April 13 will transfer in its entirety to Naas on that day, and ticket sales for the Curragh will be honoured, or refunds can be sought through the Curragh. Brian Kavanagh, CEO of Horse Racing Ireland, said:

“While the redevelopment is progressing well, the HRI Board has decided to de-risk the situation and give certainty to the industry and public by delaying the public opening of the new Curragh facility until it is completely finished and fully tested. Instead a trial raceday will take place during the week commencing Monday, April 15 which together with the extra time, will allow all operational elements of the racecourse to be fully tested.”

The new Curragh facility will be fully opened on Bank Holiday Monday, May 6 when racegoers will be able to see for the first time the redeveloped venue which has delivered a spectacular new grandstand and enclosure and a fitting location for Ireland’s Classics. The official opening of the Curragh will then take place on Friday evening May 24, the beginning of the newly-formed three-day Curragh Spring festival which will also feature the Tattersalls Irish 1000 and 2000 Guineas on May 25 and May 26. 

Upcoming Fixtures

Dundalk – Friday March 15 (First Race 5.15

)Down Royal – Saturday March 16 (First Race 2.30)

Limerick – Saturday March 16 (First Race 1.45)

Limerick – Sunday March 17 (First Race 2.05)

Wexford – Sunday March 17 (First Race 1.45)