Another fantastic festival took place at Killarney Races last week, AugustFest delivered a fun-filled programme, super crowds, spectacular views, top-class racing and an atmosphere that was not to be missed, here are some of the highlights.

Thursday, the opening day of the festival saw Kerry Senior Football Captain, Sean O’Shea with a host of his fellow teammates and back-room staff escorting Sam Maguire to the racecourse. They arrived by jaunting cart to take part in the bi-centenary celebrations as Killarney celebrated 200 years of racing. Racegoers of all ages were thrilled to get up close with the Sam Maguire Cup and our fantastic Kerry Football All-Ireland Heroes. The only all flat racing card of the festival saw the GMIB Vincent O’Brien Ruby Stakes (Listed) go to Charterhouse for John Joseph Murphy. An €800 purchase Geological gained the 17th win of his career in the Gain The Advantage Series Handicap, bringing his career earnings to 270k a good news story for racing and those with small budgets and big dreams.

On Friday, Adam Ryan rode his first winner under rules in the The KWD Recycling Bumper on Next Week for Andrew Slattery at odds of 33/1. The new entrance at Killarney Racecourse and Ross Golf Course was officially opened by Minister for Education, Norma Foley together with Jonathan Mullin Director of Communications and Corporate Affairs at Horse Racing Ireland and representatives from The Irish Horse-Racing Regulatory Board and Killarney Racecourse.

Minister Foley commented, “I am delighted to be part of the official unveiling of the new entrance here at Killarney Racecourse today as they celebrate 200 years of racing in Killarney, a remarkable achievement. Killarney Racecourse plays an important role here in the town and surrounding areas. The positive economic impact of their 13 racing fixtures per annum combined with the many events held here throughout the year and the golf course activity is a major boost to local businesses in particular the hospitality sector for which Killarney is renowned.”

On Saturday, jump racing took center stage for the second day in a row to a packed crowd of enthusiastic racegoers. On the track, there was excitement from Whosgotyanow as she secured the 3rd win of her career in the Killarney Towers Hotel Beginners Chase. This led to jubilant scenes as owner Ronan Tynan, of the Irish Tenors, sang Wild Mountain Thyme in the Parade Ring which has since gone viral on social media across the globe.

Marine Nationale made it 2 from 2 in the concluding Jim Ryan Racecourse Services Bumper. The Barry Connell owned, and trained gelding looks to have a bright future, with the Grade 1 Royal Bond Novice Hurdle mentioned as a potential target.

Saturday was also Ayu Ladies Day which brought the glamour stakes to Killarney Races as fashionistas brought the curtain down on AugustFest in fine style. Ayu is an Irish based and Irish owned cosmetics company set up by renowned makeup artist Suzie O’Neill.

Fashion savvy racegoers turned out in their droves to compete for the covetable title of Ayu Best Dressed. The fashion was fierce and judges Anna Galvin, Grace Clifford and Marietta Doran had a tough challenge selecting their finalists. Eleven finalists were chosen, each encompassed Ayu’s ethos and in the eyes of Ayu all of them were winners, but there could only be one official Ayu Best Dressed Lady.

Jacy Ybanes was the lucky lady deemed most stylish on the day. Originally from the Philippines Jacy has been living in Ireland over 15 years and currently resides in Tralee. Jacy’s stunning look was a beautiful hot pink two piece from ASOS paired with a gold clutch bag and shoes, her headpiece was a stunning pink fascinator by Montgomory Millinery, which she borrowed for the occasion. Jacy told the judges how she felt the sleeves of the top remined her of fashion from the Philippines, so she felt that she was wearing a bit of home!

Killarney Races has one final festival to look forward to on the first weekend in October, so if you’re looking for a proper day out then look no further all details at KillarneyRaces.ie and on social media.