BELLEWSTOWN Racecourse is expecting a big turnout on Wednesday afternoon for the first running of the Barney Curley Charity Cup.

Team captains Frankie Dettori and Willie Mullins have each assembled a team of seven top-class jockeys who will go head-to-head over two races, generously sponsored by Gannon City Recovery & Recycling Services Limited and the Gallagher Group.

Points will be awarded to the first eight horses home in each race and the team that accumulates the highest number of points across the two races in the challenge will win the cup.

Frankie commented: “I have picked a team that will give us every chance to lift the cup. Jamie Spencer, Shane Kelly and Tom Queally, all great friends of Barney, are travelling over especially for this event.

Seamie Heffernan is one of the most experienced jockeys in the weigh room, while Billy Lee and Chris Hayes are having great seasons. Siobhan Rutledge is one of Ireland’s top apprentices and is hugely talented, so I’m confident we will give Willie’s team a good run for their money.”

Willie added: “I’ve picked a very competitive team, with a great spread of experience, who all know what it takes to win.

“Bellewstown is Robert Whearty’s home racecourse, so it’s great to have that local knowledge on the team. Rachael Blackmore and Colin Keane are well used to breaking glass ceilings while Wayne Lordan, Declan McDonagh, Shane Foley and Dylan Browne McMonagle have been racking up the winners this year.

“We are going to give it our all, in memory of Barney and the great charity work he did.” Racing starts at 2pm and the two ‘Cup’ races are provisionally scheduled for 3.10pm and 5.25pm. General admission tickets are €20 each and half of the proceeds will go to Direct Aid For Africa.

Frankie Dettori’s Team

Jamie Spencer

Shane Kelly

Tom Queally

Seamie Heffernan

Billy Lee

Chris Hayes

Siobhan Rutledge

Willie Mullins’ Team

Rachael Blackmore

Colin Keane

Wayne Lordan

Declan McDonogh

Shane Foley

Dylan Browne McMonagle

Robert Whearty