MayFest got the season off to a flying start at Killarney Racecourse

from KILLARNEY ADVERTISER 19 MAY 2023

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MayFest at Killarney Racecourse took place on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, kicking off the season at the popular track in great style.

Sunday was an all jump racecard with the feature race being the Tote Killarney National, won in impressive fashion by Pont Aval. Sean O'Keefe rode a patient race, making steady headway before racing away after the last fence. This was the final leg of Willie Mullins' treble on the card.

The opening day of the festival was also Family Day which saw record-breaking crowds, where The Art House got all the kids involved in the activities on offer and Racecourse Ambassador Bryan Cooper was on hand to meet all the upcoming junior jockeys in attendance. Shecouldbeanything 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. Shecouldbeanything is a quality mare and 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. 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 said: “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, lots of families enjoying the facilities and top-class racing, it was superb. Now it’s onwards and upwards for our July Festival."

With three more festivals to look forward to in July, August and October if you haven’t been it is well worth checking out, visit Killarneyraces.ie where you can book tickets, hospitality, group packages, club membership and more.