Picture: Valerie O’Sullivan
MayFest at Killarney Racecourse has been hailed a great success with bumper crowds enjoying some great racing and wonderful summertime weather.
Sunday was an all jump card with the feature race being the Tote Killarney National, won in impressive fashion by Pont Aval. Seán O’Keefe rode a patient race, making steady headway before racing away after the last fence to complete final leg of a Willie Mullins treble on the card.
Shecouldbeanything, meanwhile, won the Easy Clean Tourist Attraction Mares Hurdle (Listed). On her previous start, she won at the Punchestown Festival, while before that she was sixth in the Jack De Bromhead Mares’ Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham. A quality mare, she looks to have a bright future ahead of her.
The valuable Oyster Tavern Handicap Hurdle went the way of Mighty Tom, who is trained by Kerry native Cian Collins and the Galway Hurdle is the next big target for the horse.
Monday was an evening meeting, all jump racing again with the feature race being the An Riocht Steeplechase won by Saint Sam, who is likely to receive an entry in the Galway Plate and there is plenty more improvement to come from this six-year-old.
Willie Mullins went one better on Monday and enjoyed a fantastic four-timer. Absurde, a €260,000 purchase from France, made a successful start over hurdles and looks to be an exciting prospect.
Tuesday closed MayFest in fine style with an all-flat card and beautiful sunshine. Trainer Joseph O’Brien won the opening three races on the card, completing the feat in the Fesco Maiden aith Arniemac at 4/1.
The feature race The Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Race was won in dramatic style with Ma Belle Artiste winning by just a head in the end to beat the 2/1 favourite in the race Impact Warrior.
Chairman of Killarney Races, Billy O’Sullivan, remarked: “What a start to the season here at Killarney Races, a great few days were enjoyed by all.
“There was a real sense of community, many families enjoying the facilities and top-class racing, it was superb. Now it’s onwards and upwards for our July festival”.
Racecourse Ambassador Bryan Cooper was on hand to meet the crowds on all three days.
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