THE Barney Curley charity cup and golf classic, hosted by Bellewstown Racecourse last September has raised €73,287 for Barney Curley’s charity Direct Aid for Africa (DAFA).

It follows on from the hugely successful Barney Curley race day at Bellewstown in September 2021 which raised over €100,000 for the same charity.

Legendary jockey Frankie Dettori returned to Bellewstown Racecourse on September 28th to manage the away team while champion jumps trainer Willie Mullins took charge of the home team in the inaugural Barney Curley Charity Cup.

Their teams of seven riders went head-to-head over two races, generously sponsored by Gannon City Recovery & Recycling Services Limited and The Gallagher Group, and the Italian jockey’s team, made up of Jamie Spencer, Shane Kelly, Tom Queally, Seamie Heffernan, Billy Lee, Chris Hayes and Siobhan Rutledge, eventually came out on top to claim the Barney Curley Charity Cup.

On his flying visit to Ireland, Frankie took part in the golf classic and charity auction at Baltray Golf Club which was also part of the fundraising effort.

Barney Curley was closely associated with the County Meath track after pulling off one of racing’s greatest betting coups at Bellewstown Racecourse in June 1975 when Yellow Sam won at 20-1. The County Fermanagh man, who set up Direct Aid for Africa (DAFA) in 1996 to support the underprivileged people of Zambia, passed away in May 2021.

Andrew Montague, Direct Aid For Africa Chairman, said: “Heartfelt thanks goes to the team at Bellewstown for the support and important funds raised for DAFA, all in memory of our great founder, Barney Curley - he would be thrilled with the support.

Frankie Dettori, commented: “I’m always proud to support DAFA in memory of my great friend Barney Curley.