5 days Ago By Mal Keaveney
LIMERICK is well represented among the nominations for next month’s Horse Racing Ireland Awards. The favourite in the Flat Achievement category is Shanagolden’s Chris Hayes, the Epsom Oaks winning jockey. Also shortlisted is Herbertstown handler Pat O’Donnell for his headline-making Extensio.
The other nominees are Gerry Keane, Wayne Lordan, John Murphy, and Donnacha O’Brien. In the running for the National Achievement Award is Rathkeale trainer Eric McNamara, whose yard was on fire at the Harvest Festival of Listowel in September. Also shortlisted are Martin Brassil, Sam Ewing, Tom Gibney, John ‘Shark’ Hanlon, Jimmy Mangan, and Danny Mullins.
The other categories are Horse of the Year, National Hunt, Flat, Point-to-Point, and Emerging Talent. Meanwhile, one of Ireland’s leading event planners, locally-based Big Boss Events, has come on board to help boost attendances at the Mr Binman Christmas Festival at Greenmount Park, Patrickswell (December 26-29). Under the stewardship of Riann O’Dwyer, the company promises to “create a vibrant atmosphere, one that caters for all – from the seasoned racegoer to first-time attendees”.
Much of the happenings will revolve around the Big Boss Top. Said Limerick General Manager Michael Lynch: “We aim to create an enjoyable experience, one to create lasting memories so people come back again.” The target is to achieve an overall attendance figure of well over 20,000.
On Tuesday next (November 19), Limerick hosts an interesting seven-race National Hunt Card (inside track). This will be the last fixture at the venue before the much-anticipated four-day festival meeting from St Stephen’s Day onwards. With proposed all-weather development works at Tipperary next year, Limerick has been allocated an extra date (July 3) in 2025.
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