Harness racing, like all forms of racing faces all sorts of challenges so it’s nice to report a good news story. Some well established meetings in the UK have had to cancel recently due to lack of entries. Freehold Raceway, New Jersey,130 years in existence, closed last year and throughout the US viability is an issue.

Well done to Mark Flanagan chairman of the Irish Harness Racing Association, the committee, directors and their professional advisors on completing the first new hard track in the Ireland or Britain for 30 years. The track is at Lyre, halfway between Clonakilty and Dunwanway in the trotting heartland of West Cork.

Harness racing does not benefit from the same direct government funding supporting horse racing and greyhound racing.

Local TD Christopher O’ Sullivan has lobbied for the project. Cool Cat Plant Hire of Dublin have transformed the site held on long term lease from farmer and harness follower Ger Heggarty.

Michael Duggan, Donal Murphy, Mike O'Mahony, Patrick Hill, James O'Sullivan from the IHRA show Christopher O'Sullivan at the new 800m track at Lyre \ Andy Gibson

The doubters said it couldn’t be done but this article is publicising the Red John Memorial previously run on grass, at the same site, to be held on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th. As if to prove the need for a hard track several previous meetings had to be re-arranged or were spoilt to an extent by the fickle Irish weather.

The facility will eventually incorporate a football pitch for nearby Knockskeagh National School. Eventually permanent stables will be erected and trainers will be based on-site. The local economy will benefit from visiting racegoers.

"The funding for this project is underpinned by a Department Of Sport 2024 allocation of €350,000 under the Sport Capital funding. Our members topped this up with a €40,000 Go Fund Me project with one anonymous benefactor doubling funds raised in a 10 day window," explained James O’ Sullivan of the IHRA.

"The primary goal of the IHRA board is to develop harness racing in Ireland to the same standards as in Europe where it continues to thrive. The track at Lyre will be a top class facility for training and will facilitate the growth of the sport," Mark Flanagan, Chairman Irish Harness Racing Association.

"This track can only improve the sport. Our trainers can better prepare horses for the big pots In Ireland and the UK. More visiting horses on race days will ensure competitive racing and better attendances," Tim Kelleher, Horse owner and correspondent.

"The track will transform racing in the region. New owners will get involved," Mike O’Mahony, trainer.

Proper harness racing has proven time and again to be a healthy hobby for young people in urban areas. The reality is the sport badly needs a track in the Dublin region. Knowing Mark Flanagan that’s tomorrow’s task.

Not only are ‘les bleus’ favourites for the World Cup but they also will field five experienced drivers at ‘l’hippodrome de Lyre’ as they would put it.

A bar, fast food, live music and children’s entertainment will be laid on. A dog show will add to the attendance.

From a racing point of view the mighty Harry Knows will be back after a short break, Can Graal Du Dollar or Hulk Chantereine dethrone Harry? Oakwood Paddy will lay his middleweight belt on the line; will challenger Northern Pride cause an upset? Isba Quick was narrowly denied here last year and it takes a lot of diesel to come from Glengormley. Will local heroes Jamie Hurley and Eoin Murphy repel the dreaded Dubs ?

Le TROT of France are sending five drivers to race at the opening meeting.

Monsieur Frappat, chairman of Argentan racecourse, will also be in attendance.

The Irish crowd love Franck Ouvrie (pictured, above right), who

endeared himself with his ‘get out and get on’ style of driving in previous visits to Lyre.

Franck OUVRIE (54): 1,707 wins as a driver incl. 32 wins in 2026/447 wins as a trainer - Driver and trainer - Based in Grosbois training centre. First in Prix Bold Eagle (Gr.1) in 2023. First in Prix de l’Etoile (Gr.1) with Black d’Avril in 2014. Second in Prix d’Amérique (Gr.1) with Davidson du Pont in 2020. Second in GP de Vitesse de Cagnes sur Mer with Earl Simon (Gr.1) in 2020

Benoit BLACHET (49) - 64 wins as a driver/123 wins as a trainer - Mainly a trainer. Based in Cambremer (Normandy)

Sylvain MARMION (41) - 223 wins as a driver/266 wins as a trainer - Driver and trainer - Based in Marigne (Anjou)

Jean-Marc MARIE (35) - 36 wins as a driver/27 wins as a trainer - Mostly a trainer and pre-training - Based in Semalle (Orne)

Regis BREUX (50) - 35 wins as a driver/eight wins as a trainer - A former trainer, he is in charge of the Pays d’Auge stud farm, where numerous stallions are stabled, including Boccador de Simm, Offshore Dream and Orlando Vici - Based in Haras du Pays d’Auge (Calvados)