TWO local trainers saddled winners towards the back end of last week at the Galway Festival.
On the Thursday, Andy Oliver’s charge Faro Island landed the Guinness 0.0 Handicap over a mile and a half at odds of 10/1 in the colours of James Nicholson.
The four-year-old Ulysses gelding was ridden by Billy Lee who, in Sunday’s Irish Stallion Farms EBF Ahonoora Handicap, was also on board the 11/1 winner Dunum.
This eight-year-old Ivawood gelding is trained by a delighted Natalia Lupini for breeder Maurice Burns who owns the bay in partnership with Michael McCartan.
Back to the Festival meeting on Thursday when the McCracken Farms-bred four-year-old filly Cala Bonita (Inns Of Court – Aalia, by Teofilo) won the extended mile handicap.
Louth-bred
Bred in Co Louth by Fergus Cuminskey, the six-year-old mare Jackie Brown (Smooth Daddy – Patty Paige, by Haatef) justified 15/8 favouritism in the extended five-furlong race at Bath on Monday.
On the jockey front at home, Paddy McGettigan was on the mark at Galway on Sunday while there were winners across the water for Darragh Keenan at Wolverhampton on Thursday and for Oisin Orr at Newcastle on both Friday and Saturday (two).
Dylan Browne McMonagle’s wins were recorded at Goodwood last Thursday week, at the same track on Friday (two) and Saturday and at Naas on Monday (two).
THE only person I met at the Gallagher Dublin Horse Show on Wednesday from the local racing world was former trainer Barney Jones.
When I spoke to him, Barney was talking particular interest in the small riding horse class where his daughter-in-law Lesley Jones finished third on Felix, a four-year-old bay gelding Barney owns in partnership with his daughter Caroline.
“When I was training, I used to read The Irish Field from the front page to the back,” commented Jones. “These days, with the family’s interest in showing and eventing, I read it from the back to the front!”
HORSE racing fans at tomorrow’s Style Sunday at Downpatrick, may have to watch the on-track action though the brims, ribbons, feathers, whatever of the headwear on those hoping to win the ‘Most Stylish Hat and Accessories competition’.
Last August, racing fans would have seen Sam Ewing record a double in the opening two hurdle races on the card.
Both were over two and a quarter miles, with Stuart Crawford later landing the two-mile, six-furlong maiden hurdle with Simon Munir and Isaac Souede’s six-year-old Casamento gelding Dramatic Licence.
Those same owners had their double green colours carried to victory in the bumper at Cork on Monday on the 10/11 favourite Green Style.
The five-year-old Idaho gelding, who was having his first start for the Willie Mullins yard, was previously trained by Ross Crawford for whom he won a four-year-old point-to-point maiden at Oldcastle at the end of March last year.
He went on to finish sixth of 18 in the Goffs Defender Bumper for four- year-olds at the 2025 Punchestown Festival.
CANINE lovers of all ages are encouraged to attend tomorrow’s Gain Elite-sponsored Dog Royal day at Down Royal racecourse where there will be flyball, gun dog and scent demonstrations, offering something for every dog and every owner to enjoy.
Beyond the canine competitions, attendees can browse a range of shopping stalls, enjoy a variety of food and refreshments, and soak up the atmosphere of Down Royal with your dog, or dogs by your side.
Hannah Morgan, Business Manager at Gain Elite said: “At Gain Elite, we are passionate about the health and happiness of pets across Ireland, and Dog Royal is a wonderful opportunity to bring that passion to life. We are thrilled to sponsor such a fantastic community event at Down Royal racecourse and look forward to celebrating the incredible bond between dogs and their owners with everyone who joins us on the day.”
Emma Meehan, CEO at Down Royal said: “Dog Royal is one of our most popular events in the calendar here at Down Royal and we can’t wait to welcome dog lovers back again this August. Whether you’re coming for the flyball demonstrations, the scent demos, or just a day out with your dog, there is something here for everyone. We are extremely grateful to Gain Elite for their support and look forward to a fantastic day.”
Visitors to this year’s Dog Royal can enjoy shopping and sampling from some brilliant dog-friendly brands, including Best Bark, Adders Pantry and Haus of Hank and event sponsors Gain Elite. Whether you’re treating your pup or picking up something for yourself, there’s plenty on offer.
Everything on the day is included in the ticket price. Children under five go free, however a ticket must still be registered for them in advance via the website.
THE Mid Antrim Hunt will get the 2026/2027 point-to-point season off to a start both regionally and nationally on Saturday, October 3rd at Toomebridge.
Local owners, trainers, riders and fans won’t have to travel too far over the following two Saturdays with the route running at Portrush on October 10th and, seven days later, the East Antrim will race at Loughanmore. The only other autumn fixture in the region is scheduled for Saturday, November 14th at Kirkistown.
If you want a stroll around Loughanmore before the big point-to-point you should note that the Northern Region of Eventing Ireland is holding a one-day event there next Saturday, August 15th.