Sir, - Having attended Ballinrobe Races last Monday I felt I had to put on record my praise for the racecourse committee and management.

Despite my Mayo roots it was my first time there in a year and it made me proud to see the work they have done. In the stableyard there are new doors, tarmacadam, washers - everything looking ship-shape.

Of course the hospitality at Ballinrobe was as good as ever and the only thing I was sorry about was that I had to go home after it. The atmosphere was so good you would love to stay for a couple of days. I was talking to a few other trainers and they all admired the work which has been put in.

My congratulations to manager John Flannelly, chairman John Staunton, and all involved in making Ballinrobe Racecourse such a success. - Yours etc.,

TOM CLEARY

Athlone,

Co Westmeath