THERE were shocking scenes at Limerick Racecourse last weekend. Open fighting in the enclosures, bodies strewn on the ground, and it wasn’t even Students’ Day.

Track manager Tom Rudd says he was delighted with it and explained the background: “This was the first time the fixture was a two-day affair. We gave up one of our summer meetings so we could turn the Munster National into a festival weekend. Limerick County Council came on board and we called it the King John’s Castle Racing Festival.

“My hope was that this would help to get city people more involved and I was happy with the results. The council sponsored a race and provided actors who reenacted a battle scene in front of the stands. We also had classic wooden board games on display which racegoers seemed to love. They were supplied by a man I met at Ballinasloe Horse Fair!”

Adding to the medieval theme, Tom sourced a local harpist who performed at the entrance.

As a bonus, former world snooker champion Ken Doherty put in an appearance. “I think he was playing in a tournament nearby and he just called us to see if he could come racing,” Tom reported.

“We also had the Limerick hurling manager John Kiely here but none of the players turned up, which was a bit disappointing for the children. John told me that up to 20 players had expressed an interest in coming along but none of them arrived which was a let-down for the kids who were hoping to see them. Maybe if they win five in a row next year they might come here to celebrate!”