THE 2026 Irish harness racing season opened last Sunday with the sport’s one and only beach meeting of the season at Harbour View, Kilbrittain, West Cork. Strangely, this meeting does not attract a large crowd. Pony racing on several beaches - and of course the unique Laytown - draw loads of people, yet this fixture had a sparse attendance again.

The event deserves better support as it has all the ingredients: a well laid out track, a clear commentary from Cian Cassidy, the ubiquitous starting car, the bright colours of the drivers and ‘sulkies’ being used properly. Trotters and pacers act well on sand, from Donegal to Dublin to Inchydoney, most of our leading trainers swear by fast work on a beach.