Kilbeggan Races gears up for penultimate meeting of 2012 season
Just as patrons were despairing of having exciting and entertaining evenings at Kilbeggan races just like the old days, we get two in a row! Firstly, the Midlands National Day and then the recent August Holiday Meeting had sunshine, spirit, supporters, style, and great racing. Kilbeggan is back to its best and everyone is looking forward to the meeting next Friday evening, August 24 (commencing at 4.55pm with seven races). The August Holiday meeting was an outstanding success, with the attendance up by 30 per cent on last year, as fashionable ladies floated through the teeming crowds and friends from all around Ireland met at the most central racecourse in Ireland. In terms of racing, it was Charlie Swan's day, as he recorded a rare Kilbeggan double with favourite Rodriguez, brilliantly ridden by Nina Carberry, winning the opener, while Cloone Rocket was a surprise winner of the novice chase. It was not a great day for punters but the ever-reliable Chase the Favourite recorded his third win this season at Kilbeggan for Bryan Cooper and Dessie Hughes, in the process upsetting hot favourite, the Willie Mullins-trained Zuzka. SECOND AUGUST MEETING With back-to-school just around the corner, this meeting is usually very popular with families and friends, as they get together for the last time before the autumn sets in. The Active Retirement Ireland Group is staging an event for all its members at this meeting. The Active Retirement Ireland Handicap Chase will celebrate the occasion, as people travel from all around Ireland to celebrate what should be a great event. JP McManus is again sponsoring the Martinstown Maiden Hurdle, and Tom Bermingham Menswear, Mullingar, are sponsoring the bumper. The Pat Doyle Memorial Hurdle is in memory of a man who contributed much to the Kilbeggan Race committee over the years. Admission is €12, OAP's & Students €10, and a Special Family Discount Package for €20 (two adults with children under-16 free). A free bouncing castle will also be available.