THE European Apprentice Championships were an unqualified success at Dundalk. Even the harshest critics would have to concede that the harness racers brought colour and atmosphere to the modern complex.

Obviously, the hometown guy (well Skibbereen to be exact) winning helped a lot. However, it was gratifying to see during the week that the runner-up Adria Riera Vaquer of Spain and the third-placed Daniel Debono of Malta shared photos of their placed efforts on social media in their homelands, a sign that they valued the silver and bronze medals, as such.

Irish harness trainers can be gruff and they don’t throw out compliments too often. Therefore, it is praise of the highest order to hear The Cooley Magician, Martin Loughran say: “The Maltese guy who drove my horse (Ksar de Mone, second) was a good driver. He listened and he carried out his instructions to the second.”

Sean Kane, who has raced in seven countries was in a Scandinavian groove. “The lads from Finland, Norway and Sweden were very professional. I wouldn’t be surprised if any of them became leaders on the professional boards in years to come.”

Gargantuan effort

The Irish Harness Racing Association team made a gargantuan effort to stage this event. As well as the work of race day, our visitors were treated to a tour of the Army Equitation School and the Guinness Store House Experience.

Mark Flanagan, chairperson IHRA, spread himself between contestants, parents, sponsors and guests. Mark told The Irish Field: “Hosting this event is a huge achievement for Irish harness racing and reflects our ongoing commitment to developing the sport at both grass roots and elite levels. I want to thank all involved in delivering a championship we can be proud of.”

Jim Martin, CEO of Dundalk Stadium, reported: “There were no issues on the day. It was great to welcome so many international visitors, who all seemed to enjoy a great day’s sport.”

John Roche, horse owner and much in demand as a pundit, said: “We should have a meeting here every year. Look how everyone is enjoying the place.”

Freddy Kavanagh from Ashbourne felt the significance of his win aboard Inaya De Mongochy, saying: “This win was probably the most special of my career.”

John Richardson does the work of two men at the European Apprentice Championship at Dundalk Stadium, August 2026 \ Chloe Nelson

Two coach loads from Downeys Pub in Cabra came to honour Celine Brazil, recently deceased. Celine’s husband Niall Maguire sponsored a memorial trophy.

Commentator James Griffin coped well, even though the horses were devoid of the usual stable colours and some surnames were a challenge. In the paddock, Sarah Park, quickly carving out a reputation on the flat and over jumps in Britain, as well was a cool and knowledgeable compere. The event was live streamed, and, unusually, was free to view.

Suzanne Collins from Drogheda tuned in with her father Maxie: “The coverage was clear. I liked the drone angles, It was easy to hear the interviews.”

One sticking point was the poor communication of a non-runner, a second favourite at that, but surely the organisers can nail this aspect once and for all.

Dream result

Eoin Murphy’s win just days after the passing of his grandmother was the headline-writer’s dream result. Speaking from West Cork during the week, his proud mum Christine (neé Burchill) said: “As a mother, I was filled with so many emotions. We had the coverage on while we waked our mother and we were with Eoin in spirit.”

John Gill from York, trainer of April Columbia, Titanium and Newtown Jody, was blown away by the facility on the Carlingford flood plain. His grandson Oliver O’Mara was one of the youngest drivers. “To race around such a track was unbelievable.”

Ian Pimlott of Manchester, eight-time Musselburgh winner, was there in his capacity as chairman of Trot Britain.

Will Greenhorn, a top driver from Stirling, thought: “A great meeting well attended. Hopefully, a fixture that could grow going forward.”

Betting

Business in the betting ring was brisk. “The betting was good, although seven favourites won,” reported Dublin layer John ‘Snitch’ Griffin.

“There was competitive racing. Full marks to Mark Flanagan and team for putting on a great day.”

Each driver in the featured event was sponsored by a business, some local, some international. The sponsors got good exposure as the young people held up their logos in many of the photos.

All the action from the Euros can be seen on IHRA You Tube channel. Results, entries and other information is at www.irishharnessracing.com

This weekend action

LYRE Raceway, Co Cork, is racing today while Annaghmore, Co Armagh will stoke up the starting car tomorrow.

Meanwhile, one of the highlights of the British season, The Welsh Classic meeting at tranquil Tregaron in mid-Wales takes place on Friday 28th and Saturday 29th. The field at Dolyrychain Farm is like a billiard table and the races are run with military precision.

The cost of travel and some handicap issues have turned off some Irish trainers. However, the 2026 edition has an Irish sponsor, the Manning family from Limerick who have endorsed in memory of owner Jack Manning. Jack loved the place.

Kicking Up The Sand, Immodesto, Stateside Phoenix and Ayr Exchange are just some of the Irish runners. Eddie Sherlock from Dublin is booked to play music and he will get toes tapping.