26 RACECOURSE CHALLENGE – Number seven

TIPPERARY was my port of call for racing on Tuesday evening as the track embarked on a 12-fixture programme for 2017. A chilly evening greeted racegoers and hopefully it will be a little warmer on Thursday when they race again.

It is a particularly busy and testing time for one of Ireland’s youngest racecourse managers Andrew Hogan, as in between the first two meetings of the year at the former Limerick Junction, he oversees three days at Cork this weekend. Andrew joins Kevin Coleman (Bellewstown and Laytown) as the only men who manage two courses in Ireland.

A joy of a midweek meeting is that racegoers seem more relaxed and I enjoyed a great catch-up with renowned bloodstock agent Bert Kerr, former Minister Tom Hayes, chairman of the stewards Kate Horgan, and many others. The Supporters Club were actively selling memberships for just €70, while Woodlands catering were offering wholesome food with a friendly service.

One intriguing advertisement in the racecard detailed a novel way to raise funds for a club, school or charity and hats off to Andrew and his team for the initiative. A well done also to Kildangan Stud who sponsor the grooms’ canteen.