New Curragh gallop option

MELISSA O’Neill has opened a new gallop and schooling strip at Maddenstown on the edge of the Curragh. The three-and-a-half-furlong round gallop is fully enclosed, can be used in either direction and can fit two horses upsides. A portable hurdle can also be added.

The schooling strip has three re-birched full height fences on a slight incline, which is proving very popular. Using the gallop is just €25 and using the gallop and schooling strip is €50.

O’Neill said: “There is ample private parking. When you book, you have all the facilities to yourself. No one will be sharing with you. It is a quiet and peaceful place to come and exercise your horses.

Tel: 087 4041672

Web: curraghschooling.ie

Pony racing at Curragh

AFTER a break of a few years, pony racing returns to the Curragh Racecourse next Sunday, October 10th with a combined 12.2hh/13.2hh race over five furlongs. The Southern Region’s meeting scheduled for Ballybunion Strand in Kerry last Sunday was cancelled due to the unsatisfactory condition of the strand after recent tides. It is hoped to reschedule the meeting but it has not yet been finalised. The Southern Region race tomorrow (Sunday) at Ballysteen, Co Limerick with a 1pm start. The Eircode for the track is V94 NP8Y.

New Gowran fixture

THERE will be an additional flat fixture at Gowran Park on Monday, October 18th, starting at 1.30pm.

Stanley Lodge/Tullpark make two new appointments for November

THE Stanley Lodge/Tullpark stud farm group, that has bred classic winner Bethrah, plus Venus De Milo and Max Vega, has made two appointments. From November 1st, David Cunningham will be head of bloodstock for the group and Nicholas Cope will start as manager of Stanley Lodge.

William Kennedy of Stanley Lodge/Tullpark said: “David’s huge experience in the industry has been very instrumental in the development of the farms and the broodmare band.

“Nicholas, who was awarded the Irish National Stud course’s gold medal in 2019, currently works at Ballyphilip Stud with previous experience at Dromoland Farm, Lexington and Ballyhimikin Stud, Nenagh.”