The Irish Post Racing Supplement 2013

The Irish Post

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RACING 2013

January 26, 2013 | 27

We track down the best Flat and National Hunt action for the year ahead

28 | January 26, 2013

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RACING 2013 We track down the best Flat and National Hunt action for the year ahead

The sport that goes the extra furlong Robert Mulhern on the enduring attraction of horse racing Since moving to Britain I have been going to Cheltenham every year, but my memories of the Festival go back to 1986 when Dawn Run won the Gold Cup. We couldn’t beat England in much that time. But we could match ’em fetlock for fetlock over jumps.

I remember watching at home, belly on the carpet, neck craned, eyes open wide as Dawn Run played his no-he-can’t-yes-he-can duel with Wayward Lad up the Cheltenham hill and at last, victory.

I wasn’t really a racing fan. Like most eight-yearolds I was simply a fan of television. But this was TV worth watching with a celebration that looked like it was worth more — the crowd spilled over into the Winner’s Enclosure like water from a simmering pot.

Winning jockey John Joe O’Neill was in the middle of it all, armed raised with triumphant delight, dressed in red. You knew Irish punters were going to paint the town the same colour and who knew where to after that because great Irish victories in Britain were a rarity.

There was a racing journalist who lived around the corner, Damien McElroy. He was there that day.

His report billed the win as epic. The event was epic too, it had to be, because the same people went back year after year.

I remember secondary school used to shut down unofficially during Cheltenham week. Students and teachers entered into this kind of unspoken pact. If we spotted them in the bookies we wouldn’t say anything as long as they didn’t, because they

were bunking off too.

Field in the Press tent. I asked how long had he One year the principal relented and wheeled the been coming to Cheltenham. For 30 years, he said. I telly into the library. A board went up in the corner said nothing. listing the runners and riders and then the betting Before the Champion Hurdle, Charlie McCreevy started. You could say that was the moment the wandered by. The former minister for Finance was strike went official. then the EU Commissioner and he was ambling Moments later things around Cheltenham with turned a bit special when no security, chewing the Before the Champion Hurdle, fat, checking the odds, a horse called Cyborgo won the Stayers Hurdle his thing.

Charlie McCreevy wandered doing in 1996. We had a tip. The It could have been by. The former minister for bets were down. AfterPunchestown. school study got We were in Britain but Finance was then the EU cancelled. it was Ireland really. The Ruby Walsh wasn’t in degrees of separation Commissioner and he was our school but he played had the same limits and ambling around Cheltenham scrum-half with the Charley Mac looked right rugby club in Naas. That at home. with no security, chewing the made him a local. By 1998 It always feels fat, checking the odds, doing his warming we had finished school when the for good and were legally fourth estate calls it an thing. It could have been allowed into the bookies. invasion because never Punchestown. We were in Joy spilled onto the street has an annual one been at Market Square when made to feel so welcome.

Britain but it was Ireland really. he won the Champion One British punter put Bumper on Alexander it best when he said: “If Banquet in 1998. Ruby’s first. someone is going to get one over on you in sport, Twelve years later I eventually made it to you want it to be the Irish. Somehow, it feels Prestbury Park and thankfully Ruby was still strangely agreeable.” making it. He was trying to equal Pat Taaffe’s record For agreeable read enjoyable because for the number of winning rides at the festival.

Cheltenham is Ireland versus England with a I felt like a novice hurdler that day but I wasn’t peacetime embrace. even close. I spoke to a journalist from The Irish It’s days when it is possible to get burned by the

“

sun as well as the bookies, but to hell with it, we’ll all burn together. That’s the kinship.

It’s Ruby Walsh jumping on Quevega in 2010 and by the time he jumps off, Pat Taaffe has been matched. The next day he will be bested.

It’s 2011 and Ruby again, losing his whip, winning The Champion Hurdle on Hurricane Fly and everyone losing their heads with joy.

It’s 2012 and Hurricane Fly floundering in the Champions’ Hurlde and Synchronised riding the light fantastic in the Gold Cup. It’s the charge to the Winner’s Enclosure and the cheer of victory enjoyed by everyone because victory doesn’t discriminate on the grounds of nationality.

It’s about coming over making a mark and getting one over in the nicest way possible. It’s a sense of ownership because it stings when your horse takes a fall.

It’s a parish transfer, another day tomorrow, faces from home, talking horses and nothing else.

It’s ours against theirs. Last year. This year. Next Year. Forever.

It’s nightlife and day-life and the adrenalin of another life.

It’s the train back to Paddington and carriage participation in a who-has-the-best-socks competition.

It’s are you Irish? Did you back Ruby? Because we did too.

It’s Danoli, Moscow Flyer, Hardy Eustace and Istabraq. It’s a new Dawn every day and every year, the prospect of even brighter ones.

30 | January 26, 2013

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RACING 2013

Aintree marks Red Rum anniversary with Grand Opening

THE FIRST day of the 2013 Grand National Festival will be a showpiece occasion as racegoers celebrate one of Ireland’s most legendary sporting sons.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Red Rum’s maiden Aintree victory, when the Kilkenny-bred bay gelding came from 15 lengths down to beat Australian horse Crisp with just two lengths to run.

As part of Grand Opening Day on Thursday, April 4, the prestigious John Smith’s Aintree Hurdle has been switched from its traditional Saturday slot, with a new record prize fund of £200,000.

Meanwhile, chart-topping girl group The Saturdays, featuring Thurles’ own Úna Healy, will lead a host of live music acts to perform at Grand Opening Day. Aintree officials will announce further details of their ambitious plans in the coming weeks and they are confident the festivities will provide a fitting celebration of Red

Rum, who remains an iconic figure in the magic of the Grand National Festival.

Attendances across all three days of the event have continued to rise over the past five years, with Ladies Day and the Grand National, on Friday and Saturday respectively, both selling out for the first time in 2012.

More than 150,000 spectators are expected through the gates over the three days, and a global TV audience of 600 million is likely for the Grand National itself.

Last year’s Ladies Day was a sellout.

Red Rum winning the 1977 Grand National at Aintree.

The Saturdays will perform at this year’s Grand Opening Day.

Cartmel: A legendary experience THE RACES at Cartmel are unique. No, more than unique — almost mythical. If you’ve never been to Cartmel, some might say that you haven’t been racing.

Cartmel is the only racecourse in the country where all the racegoers are in the middle of the track. The finishing straight bisects the circuit, creating two public enclosures — one with a massive fairground and the other with the Parade Ring and just one tiny Grandstand.

There is loads of entertainment for everyone, from the funfair to trade-stands to racing. The village is a short walk from the track and thousands of racegoers gather in the pubs surrounding the square before and after racing. Most visitors take a picnic or a BBQ and settle down beside their car or somewhere near the running rail.

Set within the idyllic Lake District scenery of South Cumbria, Cartmel attracts some of the biggest crowds in Britain — average

attendance is regularly third only to Aintree and Cheltenham in terms of jumps racing. Meetings are scheduled in clusters of two or three days with a day off in between — which creates a fantastic opportunity for visitors seeking a long weekend in the Lakes.

The first meeting of the season is the

Cartmel is the only racecourse in the country where all the racegoers are three-day May Holiday Festival on along on Bank Holiday Monday when in the middle Saturday evening, May 25, Bank there could be 20,000 people at the track of the Holiday Monday, May 27 and — probably the biggest picnic in Britain. track Wednesday, May 29.

The richest day of the season is Saturday, Saturday night is Vintage Racenight and July 20 — Totepool Cumbria Crystal Hurdle Day, there will be a 1950s theme to the enclosures which is followed by BBQ Monday on July 22. The with The Houndogs (pictured left) playing live final meeting of the season coincides with the during the races and prizes for the best dressed August Bank Holiday weekend — Saturday, August racegoers. But for the true Cartmel experience, get 24 and Monday, August 26.

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Hunt action for the year ahead

RACING 2013

Plenty of sporting action and entertainment coming up at Kempton Park THERE is fun for all the family at Kempton Park this spring, including top-class racing action and some great entertainment for the kids.

The next feature Jumps race fixture is the Racing Plus Chase on Saturday, February 23. The £100,000 three-mile steeplechase, which has a rich history stretching back to 1988, is always a big pointer to the major spring festival races at Cheltenham.

Kempton Park is also delighted to announce three fabulous family days out at the Sunbury racecourse this spring, starting with a chance to meet Peppa Pig and George (pictured right) on Easter Saturday, March 30. Due to popular demand, BAFTA Award-winning Peppa Pig and her little brother George will be appearing in-between races at various intervals during the day meeting and greeting their friends.

On Saturday, April 13 families will be able to meet Mike the Knight, one of TV’s most popular children’s characters of the moment. Mike, an energetic, cheeky yet bountiful young knight-in-training, will be making appearances throughout the afternoon, giving fans the opportunity to meet and greet

their hero from the hit TV show.

Bank Holiday Monday, May 6 sees the return of the Mascot Grand National. Mascots will be thundering down the final furlong, jumping over hurdles en route to victory in the mad cap race for club mascots. The hilarious race that raises hundreds of pounds for charity

will take place before an afternoon of horse racing.

General admission tickets allow access to the public areas open on the day including the recently refurbished ground floor of the Grandstand, featuring numerous bars and the food court where you can purchase freshly baked pizzas or

traditional fish and chips.

Book in advance and get 20 per cent discount on tickets and remember, kids under 18 get in free if accompanied by an adult!

For further information please contact the Kempton Park media office on 01932 782292.

READER OFFER

The Mascot Grand National — a fun curtain-raiser to a day of racing — raises money for charity and is great entertainment for the whole family.

Kempton Park is offering Irish Post readers a BOGOF offer on general admission tickets for the Racing Plus Chase if booked in advance.

Get two tickets for just £20 (tickets £20 per adult on the day) by booking online at www.kempton.co.uk or by calling 0844 579 3008 and quoting the promotional code: KPRPC13.

20% ADVANCE TICKET DISCOUNT†

Legendary Racedays May Festival –

Saturday evening 25th May G Bank Holiday Monday 27th May Wednesday 29th May.

G

G

July BBQ Meeting G

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August Holiday Weekend – Saturday 24th August G Bank Holiday Monday 26th August.

Saturday 20th July Monday 22nd July

G

G Childre n under are 16 and admitted free.

G Online for bookindiscounts advance. g in G Feel f re to bring a e picnic!

A member of

Holker Group

Tel. 015395 36340. www.cartmel-racecourse.co.uk

RACING PLUS CHASE DAY SATURDAY 23RD FEBRUARY 2013

AN ACTION PACKED AFTERNOON OF JUMP RACING INCLUDING THE GRADE 3 RACING PLUS CHASE ADMISSION FROM £16* | KIDS GO FREE

WWW.KEMPTON.CO.UK 0844 579 3008

Fee applies to all bookings | *Price illustrated is the gate price less 20% advanced booking discount | †Advanced bookings must be made by midday on Friday, February 22 2013 | Under 18s go free when accompanied by a full paying adult | Full terms & conditions apply

32 | January 26, 2013

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Invincible Frankel the Henry Cecil-trained colt tops the World Thoroughbred Rankings… Excelebration is top-ranked Irish horse

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HE British-trained four-year-old colt Frankel (140) remained unbeaten during 2012, adding five Group 1s to his tally and improving his 2011 rating of 136 to a new historical high of 140 in 2012.

While he first attained that rating over 1600m in the Queen Anne Stakes (G1) at Royal Ascot when he annihilated the field by 11 lengths and more, he also proved that he was equally good moved up in distance for the first time to 2000m in the Juddmonte International Stakes (G1) at York.

Quite apart from achieving the highwater mark of 140 in these two races, what is astonishing about his career record is the fact that he ran to a mark of 130 or higher on eight separate occasions and on six of those

occasions he achieved a race rating of 135 or higher.

To put this sustained consistent brilliance in perspective, his nearest rival in recent times – the Irish Sea the Stars (136) (2009) – achieved a race rating of 130+ on three occasions, and only one of those was 135 or higher.

From a European perspective, while eight horses have been champion racehorse at both two and three years of age since the International Classifications commenced in 1977, Frankel this year became the first horse to be officially a champion (or joint champion) at two, three and four years of age during that period. An outstanding racehorse, it is fair to say in the circumstances that he constitutes a new benchmark for equine excellence on the racecourse.

Furthermore, a historical recalibration of ratings sees Frankel crowned officially the highest rated horse since the international rankings began in 1977, 2lb ahead of his nearest rival Dancing Brave (138 adjusted) (1986). Aware of on-going speculation and

debate about the variance in the levels of the ratings, the World Thoroughbred Rankings Supervisory Committee commissioned a review, the findings of which were published last week, into the last 35 years of ratings.

The primary purpose of the review was to acknowledge that handicapping methods and practices have evolved during the past 35 years and the resulting recalibration was designed to show how the ratings would look if they were being assessed on current levels.

The remarkable Australian mare Black Caviar (130) also retained her unbeaten career record during 2012 adding a further five Group 1s to her record with her most notable victory taking place at Flemington in February, when she defeated top class sprinters with ease, most notably Hay List (125), in the Coolmore Lightning Stakes (G1). While Black Caviar’s rating is 2lb lower than in 2011, it should be noted that it would be practically impossible, given her style of running, to emulate that level of performance in terms of ratings running exclusively in weight for age races (where she was in receipt of a sex allowance of 2kg (4lb) as she did during 2012. A rating of 130 therefore should be seen as a reflection of that reality rather than an indication that she was not as good in 2012 as she was in 2011, when she achieved her rating giving weight to both male and female horses on handicap terms in the Lexus Newmarket Handicap (G1).

Strikingly, just seven days before her Lightning victory, she ran over 1400m for the first time in the Sportingbet C.F Orr Stakes (G1) at Caulfield and her victory there entitled her to the status of top older female miler in the world during 2012.

While Australia has only been a member of the World Thoroughbred Rankings Committee since 2004, it is telling that no European filly/mare since the commencement of the International Classifications in 1977 ranks higher than Black Caviar (and her 132 rating from 2011). Just as Frankel has set the standard for overall equine excellence, so Black Caviar has set the new benchmark for equine distaff excellence.

Hay List, in winning the Lexus Newmarket Handicap (G1), achieved the highest rating for an older male turf sprinter (alongside the Singapore sprinter Rocket Man (125) (2011)) since the commencement of WTR in 2004 but it is fair to say that he has largely been in the shadow of Black Caviar during his career. The same comment can certainly apply to the Irish-trained miler Excelebration (130), who finished behind Frankel on all five occasions they have met (beaten an average of over five lengths on each occasion) but who showed improved form (in the absence of his nemesis) in winning the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (G1) very impressively on QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot in October.

His failure to win the Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1) a fortnight later at Santa Anita can, in part, be explained by the sheer excellence of the opposition there, most notably, the North-American-trained gelding Wise Dan (129), whose performance in winning that race marks him out as the joint best North American turf racehorse, along with Northern Spur (129) (1995), since they joined the International Classifications in 1995. Winner of three Group 1s on turf, he narrowly lost in the Stephen Foster Handicap (G1) at Churchill Downs

FRANKEL FACTS

Tom Queally riding Frankel celebrates winning The Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot.

• Trainer: Sir Henry Cecil • Jockey: Tom Queally • Owner: Prince Khalid Abdulla • Career earnings: £2.99m • Nickname: Usain Colt • Betting: Odds-on in all races, except his first — £1 on his 14 wins would have made a profit of just £5.96

Joseph O’Brien winning The Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot on Excelebration last October.

on dirt (but emerged as the best horse in the race at the weights running to a mark of 123) while his one performance on a synthetic surface, in the Ben Ali Stakes (G3) at Keeneland, was startlingly impressive and earned him top rank in the nonTurf miler category (125). His versatility and brilliance over three different surfaces is reminiscent of Lava Man (127) (2006) earlier this century and if he stays fit and well (with no stud prospects on the horizon) he may well evolve into a 21st century John Henry.

Cirrus Des Aigles (131) is, like Wise Dan, an evergreen gelding who is getting better with age.

Rated 118 as a four-year-old in 2010, he jumped to 128 last year before attaining a career high of 131 in winning the Prix Ganay (G1) at Longchamp in April, and then the Prix Dollar (G2) at Longchamp in October before running up to Frankel (GB) in the QIPCO Champion Stakes (G1) at Ascot two weeks later. He is the highest rated French-trained horse along with Manduro (131) (2007) since the WTR began in 2004.

Another notable French feat in 2012 was having two 3yo fillies, both owned by the Aga Khan, sharing the accolade of top 3yo filly in the Intermediate category (2000m), namely the ill-fated Valyre (120), who won the Prix de Diane Longines (G1) at Chantilly in June, and Ridasiyna (120), who won the Prix de l’Opera Longines (G1) at Longchamp in October.

One disappointing feature of the 2012 season was

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RACING 2013

unt action for the year ahead

e greatest of our time

the quality of the European classic colts which were, in general, not up to their usual standard.

The standout colt was the Irish-trained Camelot (124) who was champion European juvenile in 2011 before winning the first two legs of the ‘Triple Crown’, namely the QIPCO 2000 Guineas (G1) at Newmarket and the Investec Derby (G1) at Epsom before narrowly failing, raised in distance, to win the third leg, the Ladbrokes St Leger (G1) at Doncaster where he lost to the British-trained colt, Encke (USA) (120). The performance of Camelot in the 2000 Guineas (119) was the joint best performance in the world in the 3yo Miler colt division alongside two other Guineas winners, namely the South African-trained Variety Club [119] (KRA Guineas (G1) at Greyville in May) and the Australian-trained half-brother to Black Caviar , All Too Hard (119) (Beck Caulfield Guineas (G1) in October). Camelot’s authoritative win in the Investec Derby[124] was also the joint top Turf performance by a three-year-old in the world alongside the Japanese-trained Gold Ship [124].

Gold Ship was accorded a rating of 124 for his impressive performance in winning the Arima Kinen (G1) against the older horses in Tokyo in late December. Gold Ship had earlier won two legs of the Japanese Triple Crown and his rating of 124 is the joint highest rating for a Japanese three year old colt (alongside Deep Impact [124] (2005)) since WTR began in 2004.

If one adds the traditional sex allowance to the

rating, it could be validly argued that the outstanding 3yo Turf horse in the world during 2012 was the Japanese-trained filly Gentildonna (122), who became the first 3yo filly to win the Japan Cup (G1) having previously won the Japanese Triple Crown for fillies. In that race, she defeated the brilliantly talented but quirky colt Orfevre (127), who had earlier snatched defeat from the jaws of victory in going down to the Frenchtrained filly, Solemia (122) in the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (G1) at Longchamp in October.

Orfevre’s best performance of the year came in winning the Takarazuka Kinen (G1) in June and that win made him top older turf colt in the world over 2400m and also the joint best Japanese-trained horse along with Deep Impact [127) (2006) since WTR began in 2004.

If the Japanese Classic crop was well up to scratch, the same could justifiably be said of the Australian three years olds, most notably the crack filly Atlantic Jewel [122] and the champion Turf male sprinter Sepoy [122]. Atlantic Jewel was Champion (or joint Champion) Three Year Old Turf filly over 1600m and 2000m and rated 121 for her performances in the first half of her three year old season during the latter half of 2011, but she came back at Randwick racecourse in April showing remarkable versatility to win over 1200m in the Yellowglen Sapphire Stakes (G2), improving her rating in the process to 122, a figure which is 4lb better than the next best three year old female

turf sprinter since 2004 (Moonlight Cloud (GB) [118] (2011)). Sepoy (AUS) (122) is still the best male turf three year old sprinter since WTR began even though he rated 1lb lower than his 2011 mark in 2012 when his best performance was in being beaten only a length on handicap terms in the Sportingbet Oakleigh Plate (G1) in February.

In Europe, the German classic crop of colts was high quality in nature and this is reflected in the fact that the only two 3yos to win in WFA company in Europe against the older horses in 2012 were both German-trained, most notably Pastorius [122], whose best performance was in winning the Grosser Dallmayr-Preis Bayerisches Zuchtrennan (G1) in Munich by eight lengths over 2000m in July, which made him top 3yo turf performer over 2000m in the world during 2012, the first time a German-trained colt has received such an accolade since WTR commenced in 2004.

His compatriot Danedream [124] did not quite emulate her Arc level of performance during 2012 but in winning the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (G1) (Sponsored by Betfair) in a photo finish from the ultra-consistent British colt Nathaniel [126] she is the top older mare in the world over 2400m and indeed alongside Snow Fairy [124], she would rank second only to Goldikova [130] (2009) in the hierarchy of older European turf females since 2004. The sensational British-trained mare Snow Fairy was rated 120 in 2010, 122 in 2011 and improved her rating to a

career high of 124 when she beat the colts in the Red Mills Irish Champion Stakes (G1) at Leopardstown – a performance that marks her down as the best 2000m older mare in Europe since Bosra Sham (USA) [131] (1997).

The non-turf category of Champions is dominated by performers in the UAE and the USA. Monterosso [126]and Krypton Factor (GB) [124] were both especially impressive and topped their categories for winning the Dubai World Cup (G1) (sponsored by Emirates Airlines) and the Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1) (sponsored by Gulf News) respectively on the synthetic surface at Meydan. The American colt I’ll Have Another [125]defeated Bodemeister [124] in the first two legs of the American Triple Crown before being retired because of injury. His performance in the Preakness (G1) at Pimlico was the best performance by a three year colt on any surface during 2012 and indeed it is the first time since 2006 that a North American dirt three year old colt has topped the overall world three year old listing (Bernardini (USA) and Discreet Cat (USA) both 128 in 2006). Among the North American females Royal Delta [121] and Groupie Doll [121] stood out.

Royal Delta (USA) once again topped the older mare non turf 1600m to 2000m categories and improved her rating from 2011 by 2lb in winning the Breeders Cup Ladies Classic (G1) at Santa Anita Park in November. Groupie Doll (USA) completely dominated the female dirt sprint division with impressive victories in the Humana Distaff (G1) at Churchill Downs in May and in the Breeders Cup Fillies and Mares Sprint (G1) in November. Her rating of 121 makes her the best female dirt sprinter since WTR began in 2004. Fort Larned (125) was the best older dirt colt in the world following his win in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) while the strong turf contingent in North America in 2012 included two three-time Group 1 winners worthy of note — Little Mike (123) and Point of Entry (123).

The South American contingent, included for the first time in WTR, is headed by a progressive Brazilian-trained three year old colt, Going Somewhere (119) who defeated the Argentineantrained three year old Indy Point (118) and the older Brazilian-trained colt Didimo (115) in the prestigious Carlos Pellegrini (G1) on turf at San Isidro racecourse in Buenos Aires in late December.

Indy Point had earlier achieved the same rating when winning the Gran Premio Nacional (G1) on dirt in November, while Didimo had won two Group 1 races in Brazil prior to running in Argentina. The Carlos Pellegrini is the South American equivalent of the King George VI Stakes in Europe and it is where the best horses in South America converge to meet each other and it obviously helps the local Handicappers enormously in assessing the relative merits of the South American horses.

It is further helpful when horses from South America travel elsewhere in the world and 2012 marked the first time South American-trained horses competed at Breeders Cup with the Argentinean-trained Calidoscopio (ARG) winning the Breeders’ Cup Marathon (G2).

World Thoroughbred Rankings The Top 12 Horses in 2012 Rank 1 2 3 3 5 6 7 7 7 10 10 10

Horse Rating Trained FRANKEL (GB) 140 GB CIRRUS DES AIGLES (FR) 131 FR BLACK CAVIAR (AUS) 130 AUS EXCELEBRATION (IRE) 130 IRE WISE DAN (USA) 129 USA ORFEVRE (JPN) 127 JPN MONTEROSSO (GB) 126 UAE NATHANIEL (IRE) 126 GB SO YOU THINK (NZ) 126 IRE FORT LARNED (USA) 125 USA HAY LIST (AUS) 125 AUS I’LL HAVE ANOTHER (USA) 125 USA

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RACING 2013

Betting on blue The Blue Square Bet Winter Derby takes pride of place at Lingfield

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INGFIELD Park’s jewel in the crown is the Blue Square Bet Winter Derby on Saturday, March 16, which offers a total prize fund of £100,000.

As well as quality racing action, the day will appeal to a wide range of racegoers with a host of entertainment on offer.

The day comes on the back of our Blue Square Bet Winter Carnival which features the hugely popular Sprint Series.

This six-furlong feature held every Saturday at Lingfield Park during January and February uses a unique Grand Prix-style points system rewards runners, riders and trainers down to sixth place.

The series consists of seven rounds of six-furlong sprints and culminates with the Grand

Final on February 23 with an enhanced total prize fund of £17,500.

After the Winter Derby, we concentrate on some family fun at Lingfield Park with a fun day on Sunday, March 24 and then our annual Discover Racing Day on Grand National Day, April 6.

As well as some thrilling racing action — and the Grand National on the big screen — this day proves hugely popular as it gives racegoers a glimpse of life behind the scenes at the racecourse.

Renowned horse whisperer Gary Witheford will be back by popular demand, showing how he tames the most unruly of horses, and there will be a host of entertainment for the little ones while the adults indulge in

an afternoon of racing.

Lingfield Park will be staging its very own ‘sand national’ on its new sandycoloured All Weather Track especially for its younger visitors. Sweets galore will be on offer as well as other prizes in an afternoon of games and competitions for the children.

After this, the next major fixture is the Derby Trial weekend on May 10 and 11.

This year organisers are praying for better weather and hope you’ll join them in this exciting lead up to the Epsom Derby and witness some Derby hopefuls grace the turf.

Again, there will be plenty of action off the track, including a car show and a glimpse of Lingfield Park’s past, present — and future.

Left, the Blue Square Bet Winter Derby provides a day of quality racing. Above, among other entertainment at the festival is the ever-popular horse whisperer show.

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Hunt action for the year ahead The Investec Derby combines both high fashion and high stakes.

RACING 2013

A fashionable statement Dates announced for the Investec Derby Festival 2013 at Epsom Downs — the event not to be missed

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HE Investec Derby Festival, considered as one of the greatest sporting and social events in the British calendar, kicks off at Epsom Downs on Friday, May 31 and Saturday, June 1.

The style stakes are high and the racing even higher as an array of beautiful fashions, glamour and thrilling horseracing will flood the racecourse during the two day festival. As the first event the Queen attended as part of her Diamond Jubilee Celebrations Weekend last year, the world famous occasion is estimated to attract over 125,000 people once again to participate in this world class event.

The Investec Ladies’ Day on Friday, May 31, attracts an abundance of style as a sea of elegant dresses and fabulous

hats enter the gates for this classic day’s racing whilst the track plays host to the three-year old fillies battling it out in the Investec Oaks, worth £325,000 in prize money.

Investec Derby Day on Saturday, June 1 remains the most famous event in the world’s racing calendar and the Investec Derby, running for its 234th year is worth £1.25million in prize money. Firmly established as one of the most exciting races of the season, horses and riders will push themselves to the limit on the unique and challenging course.

Rupert Trevelyan, Regional Director of the London Racecourses said: “The Investec Derby Festival is a totally unique two days of horse racing providing our customers with the very best racing as well as plenty

of entertainment off the track.

The 2013 Investec Derby Festival will be year two of a new 10-year sponsorship by Investec and will see Channel 4 taking over the two-day broadcast.�

Tickets to the Investec Derby Festival between January and April 2013 are priced at ÂŁ40.50.

For further information and to book tickets please visit www.epsomdowns.co.uk or call Epsom Downs Racecourse on 0844 579 3004.

■DON’T MISS ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SPRING WHEN THE SEASON KICKS OFF WITH THE INVESTEC SPRING MEETING ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24 AT EPSOM DOWNS RACECOURSE.

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Wednesday 3rd April

Friday 25th October

Friday 11th January

Friday 5th April

Friday 1st November

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36 | January 26, 2013

The Irish Post

RACING 2013

We track down the best Flat and National Hunt action for the

Experience the excitement I

RISH racing has never had more to offer. One of the greatest pleasures of attending a race meeting in Ireland is to be in the company of people with a great passion for horses and horse racing.

The carnival atmosphere of racing festivals like Galway, Punchestown and Leopardstown draws racegoers back for the thrill of the chase and the roars of the crowd as fancied horses storm past the finish line.

Ideally suited by landscape and climate, Ireland has a reputation for producing thoroughbreds blessed with speed, stamina and endurance.

Birthplace to some of the best trainers and jockeys in the world — where better to watch them doing what they do best

than in their homeland? With 26 flat and national hunt racecourses dotted across the country, you are never far from the action.

Throughout 2013, Ireland will reach out to thousands of friends and family from all over the world, enticing them as part of the The Gathering. Irish racecourses will play a big part, providing top-class racing and entertainment to attract new and old visitors, with many special Gathering events planned.

Many of the top race festivals are close to Dublin airport.

Fairyhouse, Co. Meath plays host to the world-famous Irish Grand National, on Easter weekend. In Kildare, Punchestown has some of the best jump racing in the world

with champions from Britain and Ireland competing every April. Just down the road, The Curragh plays host to a series of exciting flat races every year, including the Guineas Festival in May, the Derby at the end of June, the Oaks in July and the Irish St Leger and National Stakes in September.

For something completely different, the Laytown races — the only official beach racing in Europe — is a unique, charming event that takes place each September. Easily accessible from Dublin and Belfast it’s just one of the many unmissable racing events in the Irish calendar.

■ For more information on racing in Ireland in 2013 check out www.goracing.ie

Upping the ante at Dundalk THE busiest racecourse in the country has just upped the ante even more by extending the flat programme in Ireland with a flat racing winter series for 2013.

Dundalk Stadium is Ireland’s only floodlit all-weather racecourse and the world’s only dual purpose horse and greyhound racing facilities. Not only that but they are also the busiest. Now trading 52 weeks of the year with greyhound racing twice a week, they have upwards of 37 horse fixtures in 2013 making Dundalk Stadium a centre for the horse and greyhound racing industries in Ireland.

Thanks to the facility’s state of the art, all weather, floodlit racetrack, Dundalk Stadium offers a continuation of the flat racing programme in Ireland

with horse racing taking place every Friday up until May. This isn’t just good news for the punter. The winter series will provide 100 extra races for the flat horse population, which will generate additional opportunities for owners, jockeys and trainers. They will also be offering an additional €900,000 in prize money at the 14 fixtures, with Dundalk’s own normal prize money levels and the €7,000 minimum value per race maintained. The significant prize monies on offer at Dundalk Stadium has caught the attention of owners and trainers in Britain and in recent months there have been an increasing number of trainers from Britain sending their horses to compete.

Weekend special packages, starting at €30 per person,

include admission, horse and/or greyhound racing (depending on the night), race cards, a table in the main restaurant overlooking the tracks, table-side tote betting, bar and waiting service throughout and a four-course meal. There’s even some apres race entertainment thrown in too.

With such comprehensive entertainment offered, Dundalk Stadium has naturally become a popular destination for hen and stag parties. They offer packages to suit all budgets and can include accommodation also in the nearby 4 Star Crowne Plaza Hotel.

■ For more check out www.dundalkstadium.com. For bookings call 00 353 42 933 4438 ext 1 or emailbookings@dundalk stadium.com

Cracking racing in Killarney KILLARNEY is one of Ireland’s premier tourist destinations and the Killarney Races provides 11 cracking days of racing set to a backdrop of feverish, non-stop, summer-time holiday activity.

It’s party time all summer long in Killarney and there is an energy to the area that has seeped into the pores of every facet of life there.

The racecourse is no exception, providing no small amount of high quality racing to fulfill the dual role of both family fun day out and satisfying punter-friendly competition.

One of the highlights this year will be the May ‘Gathering’ meeting from May 12-14 with the racing continuing throughout the summer with another four meetings in July from Monday 15 to Thursday 18, culminating in August with a run of racing from Wednesday 28 to Saturday 31.

Killarney’s new corporate suite opened in 2006. Since then guests have been treated to a

new premier level of corporate hospitality and VIP experiences of top class racing in arguably the most picturesque racecourse in the world.

The Maurice O’Donoghue Stand boasts a commanding view positioned directly on the finishing line and gives the best vantage point on the track.

Groups of up to 450 can be catered for within this trackside, glass-fronted facility.

As with all the corporate days, events are tailored with the specific needs of the client in mind.

Killarney Races also offers the best in bar and restaurant facilities. The Jim Culloty Bar is the punters favourite with a snack bar offering a wide selection of main courses and light food. Live music after racing each day ensures that the bar is heaving long after the action on the track finishes.

The Owners & Trainers Bar is ideally situated on the ground level of the Grand Stand. With a

slightly elevated view of the parade ring and racetrack this bar is a guaranteed winner alright for all connections.

For further information or to make a booking please contact 00353 64 6631125 or email sales@goracing killarney.com.

■ www.goracing killarney.com for further details.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

January 26, 2013 | 37

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O G of Irish racing

Whenever you are in Ireland, you’re never far from a race meeting and if you want to understand meetings one of our country’s great passions and meet the Irish at play, choose from over 300 race at any of the 26 racecourses around the country and have a day you’ll always remember.

For details of all Irish Race Festivals, Race Meetings and Ticketing visit goracing.ie

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HAVE you ties to the Rebel County? Even if you don’t, you’ll feel more than welcome at Mallow’s newly extended Racing Home for Easter Festival, March 30 to April 3.

Highlighting all that Mallow has to offer, from three days of top class horse racing at Cork Racecourse Mallow, including Best Dressed Lady and Gent on Easter Sunday, with the town centre’s ever popular and expanding Easter Sunday food and craft fair featuring the very best of Irish artisan food produce, staged music and performance showcase and lots of family entertainment, this year’s event will also see an increased emphasis on Mallow’s rich history and heritage.

“Horsepower is this year’s festival theme”, says festival chairperson Mary Kelly. “We are very excited about the latest addition to our five-day programme of events, a pre 1940s vintage car run and display, which we hope will attract a completely new attendance to our festival”.

Racing Home for Easter is now in its fourth year and is the only event in Mallow to be held during the year of The Gathering, Ireland’s

international tourism promotion.

A literary trail will mark the centenary of the birth of Mallow natives Canon Sheehan, Thomas Davis and William O’Brien, with workshops on the history of Mallow Castle’s famous protected white deer and historical walks discussing Mallow Castle, the history of Mallow Train Station, Davis St and the Spa area amongst others.

With special discounted train fares to Mallow from Irish Rail,

it’s never been easier or more cost effective to come to Mallow.

Find out more and avail of our special value accommodation packages at racinghomeforeaster.ie, follow the festival on Twitter @mallowfestival or become friends on Facebook.com/Racing Home for Easter.

■ Premium level tickets to Cork Racecourse Mallow can be pre booked by calling Mary on 00 353 22 50207.

To plan your day at the races or for a FREE racing information pack, please call the Marketing Team on + 353 45 455 455 or visit goracing.ie F: facebook.com/goracing T: twitter.com/goracing

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Race home to Cork this Easter

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