MAINTAINING strong claims as Ireland’s most scenic racing venue, Killarney racecourse is located on the Ross Road approximately 10 minutes’ walk to the south west of the town centre. It is one of the tracks in the country to feature summer only racing. The enclosure facilities are laid out to make the best of any fine weather that shines on the three festivals, held in May, July and August.

Unfortunately for this writer and the other racegoers present, on the occasion of this fixture, low white clouds hid from view all but the lower reaches of the McGuillycuddy Reeks. The lush forests of the National Park were visible and hinted at the famously picturesque backdrop to the course.