Kilbeggan and Roscommon both ready for race meetings

Local horse racing fans have plenty of action to look forward to in the coming days - with meetings being held in both Kilbeggan and Roscommon. On Saturday, May 16 (commencing at 5.40pm), the Irish Countrywomen's Association (ICA) will celebrate their 100th anniversary at the Kilbeggan races meeting. The first meeting of the year at Kilbeggan was quieter than usual with many events on in the midlands. The jackpot was carried forward to the last meeting but with a 20/1 winner One Back for Luck and a 25/1 winner Champion Court in the bumpers, the punters were never going to win it. With the new drainage now completed, the chase track will be ready for next Saturday with a couple of interesting races in the Belvedere House Gardens and Park Handicap Chase of €17,500 sponsored by Westmeath County Council, and also the Mullingar Beginners Chase. Paul & Carmel Fay, Granard, are sponsoring a competitive handicap hurdle. With the unusual mixture of the ICA and Horse Racing Ireland, seven exciting races including three sponsored races, a fine May evening, everything is set for a cracking night out in Kilbeggan next Saturday. Meanwhile, the first white flag of the year will be raised at Roscommon Racecourse this Monday, May 17, with the first of a seven-race card getting underway at 5.20pm. These may be turbulent economic times but the commercial pulling power of the Lenabane track has once again attracted plenty of big name sponsors, with the loyalty of local businesses once again a major boost for the reputation of the venue. Ivan Connaughton, Auctioneer, Connolly's Red Mills, Derrinstown Stud, Keegan Tractors and Oliver Hannon are sponsoring races at the first meeting, a meeting that traditionally is well supported with the Kepak Bumper guaranteed to create plenty of activity in the betting ring with its large number of supporters. Racecourse Manager Michael Finneran is enthusiastic about the year ahead. "The weather hasn't been kind to us in the last few years at Roscommon but hopefully it will be this year. Good weather is essential and I expect good crowds to turn out and enjoy good quality racing along with availing of all of our facilities in the months ahead," said Michael. With this being the first of nine days of racing at the course over the coming five months, punters from near and far will once again be keeping a close eye on early season form with the track renowned for throwing up talented pedigree from top trainers.