Roscommon Races prepares to host Grade 3 race

A Grade 3 race is the standout event on the card at Roscommon Races on Monday next, October 1, where the First race is set for 3.05pm. This meeting is traditionally the final meeting of the year at Lenabane but the Roscommon Race Committee are hoping to get permission to run another meeting to replace the meeting lost in June. At the time of press, no decision had been made by Horse Racing Ireland with regard to this matter. "We're hoping at this moment in time that the curtain is not coming down at the track for 2012 next Monday. Mother Nature intervened for our meeting in June but there's a possibility we could yet get another meeting. So, while we'll be urging our loyal supporters to come and enjoy the final meeting of the year, we're hoping there will be another day to enjoy in a few weeks," said racecourse manager, Michael Finneran. Monday's meeting is an eight-race card made up of four flat, two steeplechase, one hurdle and one bumper race. The feature race is the Kilbegnet European Breeders' Fund Novice Steeplechase, which has an impressive figure of €37,500 prize money on offer. This race has produced many top-class horses in the past and with the big prize money available, the leading owners and trainers are sure to have a number of interesting entries. On-course vets, John O'Rourke and John Gilmore, sponsor 'The On-Course Vets Maiden Hurdle'. There is a prize for the Best Turned-Out Horse, sponsored by Oran Fuels, Roscommon. "Every form of sponsorship is appreciated but it's great to have local sponsorship for race meetings and we've always been blessed in that respect. It's great to have the local community involved, something we really appreciate," said Mr Finneran. There's an added incentive for followers to make their way early to the course on Monday, as the first 100 paying customers receive a €5 betting voucher with many more free bets to be won on the race card competition. The race committee have also a special offer for the meeting. For the generous price of €30, you can avail of admission, a race card, a €10 betting voucher and two-course meal. Admission for both days is Adults: €13 and OAP/Students: €8.