Killarney gets a May day to savour for the races
The ladies had a chance to show off their summer style, while many men were in shirt sleeves for their battle with the bookies.
“We’re glad to get fine weather, as we had been unlucky with the elements during this meeting in recent years,” said a race company spokesman.
It was children’s day.
Sales of ice cream were brisk and face painters, jugglers, magicians and puppeteers were kept busy.
On the more serious business of the day, the €39,000 Murphy’s Stout Handicap Hurdle was won by the Michael Hourigan-trained King Carew at 6/1. It was the big race on the opening of the three-day meeting.
Two Cabinet ministers, Joe Walsh and John O’Donoghue, were in the ring.
Mr Walsh will be attending meetings of EU agriculture ministers in Killarney today and tomorrow.
Local politicians were also out in strength, not necessarily looking for winners, but canvassing votes in the forthcoming elections.
Killarney-born star jockey Jim Culloty couldn’t make it to the races yesterday because of engagements in England for the Henrietta Knight stable, but he’ll be there this evening for celebrations in his honour.
The Jim Culloty Bar will be opened in recognition of the feats of the Grand National and three times Cheltenham Gold Cup winner and he will also be made a life member of Killarney Racegoers’ Club.
In return, local punters will be hoping for a few winners from the man himself.
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