HATS off to Kilbeggan manager Paddy Dunican. This week he was thrilled to announce the first €100,000 race in the long history of the Midlands track, and in the process he secured a major new sponsor for the feature.

The race in question is the AXA Smart Farm Insurance Midlands National and it will take centre stage at the Friday evening meeting on July 19th.

The race has doubled in value and is sure to attract one of the best fields ever seen at the Co Westmeath venue. One of the most significant chases in the summer racing season, the race has been steadily growing in value and prestige, but this summer, with AXA Smart Farm’s generous sponsorship, it marks a famous moment in Kilbeggan’s history.

Paddy Dunican told me this week: “Our Midlands National is the highlight of our racing year. We are thrilled that with the support of our new sponsor, AXA Smart Farm Insurance, and the additional funding for feature races from Horse Racing Ireland, the value of the Midlands National will double from €50,000 to €100,000 this year.

“This massive increase in the prize fund makes it one of the most valuable and prestigious chases of the summer racing season. AXA is the world’s largest insurance group and the number one insurance company in Ireland, and we are delighted to be working with them.”

News of this blue-chip sponsorship was also music to the ears of Jason Morris, director of racing at HRI.

He said: “We are delighted that, on the back of Horse Racing Ireland’s new initiative this year to provide an additional €500,000 in prize money to support the 20 Grade 2 and 3 racecourses to enhance their feature races, Kilbeggan has secured a valuable new sponsor in AXA Smart Farm Insurance which will see the race double in value this year to €100,000.

“The Midlands National has always been a very prestigious race at an extremely well-attended fixture, and this substantial prize money boost will further elevate its position as a major highlight of the summer jumping programme.”

Racing has been staged at Kilbeggan since 1840 and the Midlands National, run since 1997, always provides serious sport and drama. The inaugural running was won by Mouse Morris’ Cristys Picnic, with David Casey in the saddle, and among the syndicate members were international film director Neil Jordan and actor Stephen Rea. It was also the day that another star, the great grey Desert Orchid, made a guest appearance.

The Midlands National is often a stepping-stone for horses aiming for Galway Plate glory and back in 2001 the Michael Hourigan-trained Rockholm Boy famously completed the double.

Last year’s race had some post-event drama, the winner on the day, Timiyan, being subsequently disqualified in favour of his stablemate Rogue Angel. The competitive nature of the race is also shown by the fact that the last six runnings of the race have gone to six different stables.

As if top-class racing was not enough of an attraction on the evening, Paddy Dunican also tells me that it is Ladies Day, and the best dressed lady can be assured of a great prize, the value of the competition being in excess of €3,500. Bellamianta Luxury Tanning join with the luxurious Wineport Lodge to sponsor this competition. Paddy said: “Our best dressed ladies have embodied style, glamour and confidence, and the event is always a colourful and elegant affair. In addition, there will be live music and for the kids there are lots of free attractions.”

Great news for those who like to plan ahead is that discounts are available if you book online at kilbegganraces.com now.