Stars out in force at Tralee
Quite apart from the star-studded line-up for the Lynch Family sponsored Paddy O’Sullivan Memorial Race of Champions, the American tracker Kiowa Myth will also be having a trial before racing, his first outing since he returned to Ireland a few weeks back.
The Race of Champions promises to be a really cracking contest in pursuit of the €20,000 prize and the two principals are likely to be the semi-final winners Tullymurry Act and Colorful Champ. But with Leger hero Bar Blackstone, Laurels winner Sevenheads Bay and the useful duo of Beaming Dilemma and Lassa Extreme also in the line-up this is a race that would do justice to a Derby final.
A massive crowd is anticipated for the major fund raiser for the Kerry GAA Training Fund and both the football and hurling panels will be present. Indeed, Paul Galvin will be on hand to judge the Best Dressed Lady which carries a winner’s cash prize of €1,000 and is sponsored by Dick O’Sullivan. There will also be a Best Dressed Man Award sponsored by Suit Disbributors, Tralee and the prize will be a €500 voucher.
The best news we got this week was that Boylesports have confirmed the continuation of their sponsorship of the Dundalk International to be run at Dundalk Stadium on Monday, July 12th. It will still be the richest one-off race in this part of the world with a winner’s prize of €20,000. There is also the intriguing scenario that for the first time ever the line-up could be comprised of runners from three countries.
Apart from the traditional British and Irish representation the aforementioned Kiowa Myth is a possible contender this year. He arrived from America a few weeks back and Mossie O’Connor says he has settled in very well.
Further good news was forthcoming from Youghal with confirmation that the Free Admission in July and August will operate this year again but with a major change – it will apply to Friday nights rather than the traditional Tuesdays!
The sponsors will be JJ Fennelly Texaco, Midleton and the Track Supporters Club. Why the change of day? Friday nights are a struggle at Youghal with the track having to contend with Curraheen Park and Waterford on that night. So, for the months of July and August the main racing will be on Monday nights at the track and then it is hoped that the free admission will prove a real winner on Fridays with the holidaymakers in town. The final of the Supporters Club Inter Track will now be staged on Monday, July 5th along with the final of the Supporters A1 Stake.
Saturday’s meeting at Shelbourne will be a benefit in aid of young Molly Lanney, a niece of trainer Martin, who yesterday travelled to New York for an operation that will hopefully allow her to speak. She suffers from DiGeorge Syndrome and the cost of the operation will be €50,000 at least.
All ten supporting races are generously sponsored while there will be an auction of greyhounds, trips and sporting memorabilia. Top attraction will be the Day Trip for Four to Ballydoyle/Coolmore and lunch with Aidan O’Brien while the greyhounds to be auctioned are a three parts sister to Fear Haribo donated by Paul Hennessy and a dog by Hades Rocket out of Tyrur Hazel (closely related to Tyrur Lohan) donated by Martin Lanney and Jason Pollard.
