AT long last the Irish Harness Racing Association season opens tomorrow at at Harbour View Beach, Kilbrittain.

The time of the first race will be confirmed once Neptune himself has sorted the low tide. Full details and card etc can be viewed at www.irishharnessracing.com

In recent years a meeting has been held at beautiful Inchydoney, which is nearby.

However, some Cork horsemen suggested that Kilbrittain might be larger, with less pools of water and closer to the road for viewing.

The season opener, new harness and sulkies, some new horses and a first-time venue, it doesn’t get much better – come racing! The beach is about seven miles south of Bandon, take the R603 – bookmakers and fast food in attendance. James Griffin, associated with Grand National seventh-place finisher Roi Mage will be commentating.

A glance at the entry list (not sorted or handicapped at time of going to press) reveals, as you might expect, mainly Cork-based runners.

Cork versus Dublin can be a ‘robust exchange’ on the pitch or at a trot, and Wayne McNevin, Billy Roche and Troy McAleer will expect no favours out on the sands. Confidential, Said To Be Sweet and Larry Camden line out for the visitors.

’Mullins’ effect’

Tadhg Murphy is going for the Willie Mullins effect with nine out of a total of 34 runners on the card.

Emerging apprentice Eoin Murphy gives the wily Baltimore team options. Market moves should be watched, is the message.

Jamie Hurley and Jeremiah O’Mahony train on this very beach. Then again Ado McGuinness does not win every race held at Laytown. Dinah Washington ran well at Inchydoney last year and will not be far away.

Benny Camden is by some way the class act on the card, but he is unlikely to be at concert pitch so early in the season. Even an underdone, Benny Camden could win. The ‘Pacing Pensioner’, John Boyle, is down to drive his own two and IB Felicity or Best Sunshine would be popular winners on John’s comeback.

Louis Vuitton will know every pebble on the beach and Jamie Hurley can improve a horse.

Strand

Part owner Thomond O’Mara has won at some prestigious venues but never at a beach and Comete des Landes has been a great find for Thomond and John Madigan. Duc d’Arry is classy on a hard track but anything can happen on the strand.