SOMETHING to look forward to on Monday, August 2nd is the Irish EBF Ballyhane Stakes race day at Naas. Apart from the high-class racing, Naas has joined in partnership with the children’s charity Barretstown who have lost over €1 million fundraising revenue due to the Covid-19 pandemic, for some extra fun.

A JustGiving page is now live to raise much needed funds for Barretstown, and Naas Racecourse is asking for a minimum donation of €5.

Each individual donation will be placed in a draw and assigned a horse in the €300,000 Irish EBF Ballyhane Stakes, the richest race at Naas on Monday, August 2nd.

The person assigned to the winning horse will walk away with a €5,000 holiday voucher from Hannon Travel.

Based in Ballymore Eustace in Co Kildare, the mission at Barretstown is to rebuild the lives of children affected by serious illness and their families, through life-changing therapeutic recreation programmes.

Established in 1994, with the donation of the 500 acre estate by the Irish Government, Barretstown was the first camp of its kind to be opened outside the USA and the third camp founded by Hollywood star Paul Newman who wanted seriously ill children to have the chance to “raise a little hell”.

Lucky winner

Eamonn McEvoy, manager of Naas Racecourse, commented: “Last year we ran the Lockdown Heroes campaign in conjunction with the Irish EBF Ballyhane Stakes race and this year we are thrilled to help Barretstown children.

“We hope the racing community and people of Ireland get behind our Naas race for Barretstown children fundraiser.”

Michelle Sharkey, a Barretstown family beneficiary, commented: “Barretstown is a magical place where families can leave their worries at the door. We had a fantastic time learning to canoe and playing stuck in the mud on water. Memories made that will last forever. We can’t wait to go back.”

The draw for the 24 names, to be assigned a horse in the race, will be made on Friday, July 30th.

www.justgiving.com/fundraising/racingforbarretstown.

Thank you Gordon

FAIRYHOUSE facilities manager Gordon Reilly is moving on from the track after 14 years service. A race on the card in his name thanks Gordon from manager Peter Roe and the team.