Gordon’s on the pig’s back

THERE was a great turnout at Longwood, Co Meath last Sunday for Gordon Elliott’s open day (in association with Irish Thoroughbred Marketing) at Cullentra House Stables. Guests were treated to a tour of the facilities and the opportunity to meet the stable stars current and future.

Afterwards there was a hog roast, refreshments and music entertainment which were enjoyed by well over 400 guests. Gordon’s putting it up to fellow trainers in more ways than one.

Get your boots on for March madness

NOW is the time to apply for the charity flat race, the St Patrick’s Derby, which is run for the sixth time as the final contest on the third day of the Cheltenham Festival, Thursday, March 12th, 2015.

The race, for 12 horses over a mile and five furlongs, is open to any amateur rider who feels they can raise the required amount of at least £5,000 in sponsorship to take part. Participants are required to provide their own mount, which must have run at least twice under the recognised Rules of Racing. Cheltenham Racecourse’s charity for the 2015 renewal is the Injured Jockeys Fund.

Lisa Hancock, Chief Executive of the Injured Jockeys Fund commented: “The Injured Jockeys Fund is delighted to be the benefiting charity of the 2015 St Patrick’s Derby. It will be almost two years to the day that J.T. McNamara had his tragic accident at the Festival. This makes being involved in the charity race particularly poignant, as it is so terribly important that there is an ongoing awareness of the vital work that we do.”

Applications close at midnight on Monday, November 17th, 2014 and should be made to Sarah Oliver on 01886 884488 or via sph.oliver@btinternet.com.