NAAS Racecourse welcomed a big attendance on Monday, helped by the free admission initiative sponsored by Joe and Jane Foley’s Ballyhane Stud.

One of the big attractions on the day was the chance to win a trip for two to an Ireland game at the Rugby World Cup, which takes place in France next month.

In a throwback to the days of the Irish Sweeps Derby, the names of 20 racegoers were plucked from a draw and each one assigned a runner in the €300,000 Irish EBF Ballyhane Stakes. Race winner Golden Trick proved a golden ticket for Mary-Clare Healy, who won the big prize.

Originally from Naas and now living in Fermoy, Mary-Clare is a former marathon runner who still enjoys running and raising money for good causes.