Ballinrobe Racecourse will host its last race meeting of the year this Monday, September 19, a fixture that will bring the curtain down on a hugely satisfying 2011 at the Mayo track. Racing gets under way at 3.35pm.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny will be in attendance on Monday. The Mayo native will officially open the photo gallery in the Pavilion.
“It’s great that we have the leader of the country joining us for the last meeting of the year. The Taoiseach has a very busy schedule but we really appreciate that he’s taking the time to join us in Ballinrobe and open our photo gallery,” said Racecourse manager John Flannelly.
Looking back on the last meeting, Mr Flannelly was very pleased with proceedings even allowing for the sporting clash on the day. “Our last meeting went quite well when we consider that the Mayo footballers were playing Kerry in the All-Ireland semi-final the same day. We had a good attendance and the people who wanted to take in the racing and keep an eye on Croke Park were able to do so.”
Monday’s meeting is a strong national hunt card. The opening two races are over two miles with the second of the two miles four furlong races, The Ballinrobe On Course Vets Handicap worth €10,500, sponsored by Pat Kelly and Ray Hughes. The P Flannery Plant Hire Group London Steeplechase worth €12,000, is over two miles and six furlongs and is sure to attract a few very useful types as is The Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Steeplechase (sponsored by JP McManus ), which is also over two miles six. The final race of the evening at 6.05pm is a beginners’ steeplechase.
“We’re very happy with the year we’ve had. The cold weather didn’t do us any favours but at the same time we were very lucky with the weather. Our continued success at Ballinrobe is owed to our generous sponsors and the many, many, people who remain loyal to Ballinrobe Racecourse. We’re living in difficult times but the business community and the general public always support us.
“We hope to see a good turnout on Monday for what is the last chance of the year to catch some of the action at Ballinrobe,” said John Flannelly.
There are great deals available on group bookings for the Coranna and Corrib restaurants with the latter offering admission, racecard, two-course meal and a €5 free bet, all for €30 in bookings of 10 or more people. Normal admission rates remain at €15 for adults, €10 for students and OAPs, with children under 14 free.
Don’t forget to follow the latest news on Ballinrobe Racecourse on www.ballinroberacecourse.ie and on Facebook.com/BallinrobeRaces
Come for the racing – you’ll stay for the welcome.
