The weather certainly played its part throughout the 5 days during JulyFest at Killarney Races last week. The festival delivered a fun filled programme, super crowds, spectacular views, top class racing and an atmosphere that was not to be missed. With two more festivals to look forward to in August and October if you haven’t been, it is well worth checking out all the details at KillarneyRaces.ie where you can book tickets, hospitality, group packages, club membership and more.
The Monday Club kicked off the festival with lots of locals arriving to the track, following Kerry’s one point win in the All-Ireland semi-final in Croke Park, the celebrations continued. With lots of visitors from home and abroad also in attendance, there was excitement in the air and some fantastic racing on the evening too. A debut run from Goodie Two Shoes passed the finish line with an impressive victory for trainer Joseph O’Brien in the feature race.
Tuesday evening offered top class flat action on the track. The high-class veteran jumper, Castlegrace Paddy, crossed the line winning in front on his flat debut. Patrick Mullins and trainer P.A. Fahy were thrilled with the win and Castlegrace Paddy is set for Galway now for his next outing. Another highlight was a double win from Jockey Wayne Lordan. Lordan rode Henry De Bromhead’s Harry’s Legacy and Denise Foster Molly’s Gamble to victory.
Races n’ Rose was the theme on day three. Six Roses from the International Rose of Tralee festival got to meet their escorts for the first time at the race meeting and great fun was had by all. The roses brought colour, glamour and good luck on the day. On the Track, there was excitement from Cigamia who won the lucrative Listed Irish Stallion Farms EBF Cairn Rouge Stakes for Willie McCreery and Billy Lee.
On Thursday, jump racing took centre stage to a packed crowd of racegoers. Naturally Blond won the Killarney Plaza Hotel Handicap Hurdle for 2nd year in a row and after just 1,061 days off the track. Crowds cheered on Battle Away a popular winner of the 2nd division of the Killarney Plaza Hotel Handicap Hurdle.
Last but by no means least, the final day of JulyFest was extraordinary, ladies and gents from all across the country arrived in style as Dawn Milk Ladies Day got underway. The fashion was fierce and celebrity judges Anna Daly and Aidan O’Mahony had a tough challenge whittling down the ten finalists.
TV personality Anna Daley commented “What a day! Killarney must be the most picturesque racecourse in Ireland. It was a joy to spend the day in the sunshine with my partner in crime Aidan O’Mahony, among such elegance and style. Killarney you’re a charm. I could hardly call this work! I’ll be back very soon!”
Congratulations to ladies day winner Charlene Brosnan, a primary school teacher from Killarney, who won a specially commissioned crystal vase and a trip to Paris for two. Charlene’s stunning look was a beautiful cream ruffled dress paired with a gold headpiece and heels. On the day Charlene said “Absolutely thrilled to win here in Killarney. I come to most meetings here and it’s an honour to win at my local racecourse. I’m wearing a dress I wore to my son’s christening and it’s lovely to be able to get another wear out of it. I’m so looking forward to my trip to Paris. Thanks so much to Anna and Adian and all at Dawn Milk – we were treated like royalty here today”
In the gent’s category, Niall Crowley came out on top. He won a commissioned crystal decanter and a trip for two to the city of Milan, commenting “What an honor to be chosen as the Dawn Milk Best Dressed Gent at Killarney Races. I just arrived back from Dubai on Monday where I have been living for the past five years, this has made for a fantastic start to my summer at home with family and friends. I got my suit tailor made in Dubai for the occasion and I’m delighted that it has all paid off. I’m a teacher working in Dubai and it’s great to be home for the summer.”
Killarney Races have two more wonderful festivals to look ahead to in August and October, if your looking for a proper day out then look no further, all details at KillarneyRaces.ie and on social media.