FRIDAY week night at Dundalk Stadium saw the presentation of the the Crowne Plaza Dundalk leading trainer and jockey awards for 2015.
For the fifth year in succession, Michael Halford scooped the leading trainer title with Ger Lyons a close second. Irish golfing celebrities Shane Lowry and Padraig Harrington presented the perpetual trophy to Michael as luckily they were on a night out at the track with friends.
NAIL BAITING
The race for the leading jockey title went down to the wire and Colin Keane and Fran Berry share the title this year. It was another nail biting finale with the final outcome only evident after the last race. Keane started the race night in the lead but Fran Berry caught up with two wins on the night with both finishing on 21 wins.
Jean Clerkin of Dundalk Stadium said: “We are delighted with the continued partnership with the Crowne Plaza Dundalk for these awards and this year’s championship hasn’t failed yet again to be an exciting competition.’’
WELCOME news for our cannine friends as the seventh annual Curragh dog walk takes place on January 3rd at noon. The walk will raise funds for the Kildare Animal Foundation, based just outside Kildare town. Donations will be collected on the day from participants and each donation entitles walkers to an entry in the free raffle.
Each year the Curragh dog walk attracts hundreds of walkers with their many different types of dogs, many of them rescue dogs and has raised the admirable figure of over €12,000 since its inception. The walk in total is approximately 2.5 miles (you can manage that after all the fuel intake surely!) but there are options for shortcuts for those softies.
The walk starts out at noon from the car park situated opposite the main entrance to the Curragh Racecourse. Along a route normally reserved for racehorses, the walkers will proceed down the tunnel, crossing under the road and then out onto road that runs alongside the Old Vic gallop.
Carmel Oakes, wife of Curragh trainer Frank Oakes is co-founder of the Curragh dog walk.
Carmel explains: “The work of the Kildare Animal Foundation is just outstanding. They currently have 120 animals in their care with many more abandoned animals expected after Christmas. We would urge people not to buy dogs, at any time, but especially at Christmas, but instead look to their local animal shelter to find their perfect pet.”
Kildare Animal Foundation has been in existence for over 20 years and rescues and re-homes a whole range of animals. In recent years Kildare Animal Foundation have established a much needed Wildlife Centre that rescues and safely releases injured and orphaned wildlife.
For more information contact Áine Corcoran on 085 7117271 or check out their Facebook page.
WELL done Nicola Nolan, a groom at Eddie Harty’s. She won a very welcome €250 for being the best dressed Mrs Claus at Fairyhouse last Saturday.
New CEO at Jack & Jill
THE tireless Jonathan Irwin is stepping down from his role as chief executive of the children’s foundation for home care he founded along with his wife Senator Mary Ann O’Brien, the Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation.
Hugo Jellet will serve as incoming CEO in January 2016 and in 2017 will take over the role completely when Jonathan becomes executive chairman.
Hugo has a wealth of experience in fundraising events and initiatives and for the past four years has been director of the Carlow Arts Festival, and has been creatively involved with the Borris House Festival of Writing & Ideas, the Electric Picnic Festival and did a stint at Gowran Park Racecourse.