LAST year will be remembered forever by racegoers at Kilbeggan for many reasons, not least of which was a visit by the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins and his wife Sabina. The couple spent a relaxing evening at the Co Westmeath venue, during which they met Willie Mullins, Gordon Elliott and Jack Kennedy, among others.

Getting a visit to Kilbeggan from the President was quite a coup for racecourse manager Paddy Dunican, a year after he had another high-profile visit to his popular track from the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar. Speculation abounds as to who will be among the throngs to make their way through the turnstiles for the 2019 season which kicks off on Friday next, with seven races commencing at 4.55pm.