Engagement

Many congratulations to Sarah Gavin of Irish Thoroughbred Marketing and trainer James Nash who have announced their engagement. Formerly of The Irish Field, Sarah played a major role in organising the recent ITM Irish Stallion Trail.

Leopardstown celebrates

Leopardstown wraps up another enthralling National Hunt season tomorrow and, to show their appreciation for the public’s support, the track is inviting all racegoers to the new private dining suite in the 1888 Restaurant before racing where you can meet and greet and get your photo taken with leading figures from racing including trainers Gordon Elliott, Henry de Bromhead, Mouse Morris, Joseph O’Brien, presenter Gary O’Brien from At The Races and a number of jockeys riding on the day. There will be complimentary teas and coffees served in the suite from 1pm to 1.30pm.

Shake a leg, Liam

Boylesports PR man Liam Glynn is stepping out of his comfort zone tonight as he takes part in Strictly St Lomans in the Mullingar Park Hotel. Reports are that Liam has taken to the cha cha like a duck to water. He will be dancing to Mambo No 5 with his dance partner Sarah-Anne Meehan. Tickets are available from Liam on 087 9550276 before 3pm today at €20 per ticket.

Olivia Hamilton

THE first of Horse Racing Ireland’s Go Racing Kids’ Club day out was held at Naas Racecourse, ahead of their Family Fun Raceday on Sunday, March 6th.

This initiative builds ties between the racecourses and their local community, encouraging an affinity with racing which will hopefully produce future racegoers.

The activities educate school children and show them what happens behind the scenes at the racecourse, in the weigh room and the parade ring.

A total of 431 fifth and sixth class pupils from local schools took part in demonstrations from RACE and chatted to jockeys Danny Mullins and Barry Cash and Jamie Codd about their life in racing.

The pupils also met Naas Racecourse manager Tom Ryan, who explained how the team at Naas prepares for a raceday. The children were entertained by Marie Louise Donnelly from Front Runner Racing Club for Kids with racing games, puzzles and quizzes.

She also showed the pupils racing silks, horse shoes, racing tack and feed.

COMPLIMENTARY

All the pupils received a Go Racing Kids’ Club goodie bag which included complimentary tickets to go racing at Naas.

Danny Mullins said: “It was great to see so many kids interested in horse racing and I was really impressed at how much they already knew about racing and what it takes to be a jockey.”

Schools taking part were St David’s National School, Scoil Naisuinta Rath More, Caragh National School, St Corbans National School, Gaelscoil Nas Na Riogh, Two Mile House National School and Killashee Multi Denominational School.