The Ballinrobe Racecourse in Ireland signed off its season in style on September 12, with an electric afternoon of eight races that kept fans engaged from start to finish. Beginning at 3:55 pm and running through to the 7:30 pm finale, the card was packed with competitive fields, brave performances, and fitting moments to close out the season. The atmosphere carried a sense of celebration, as horses, jockeys, trainers, and connections gave their all one last time before the curtain fell on another memorable Ballinrobe campaign.
Race 1: Burke’s Clonbur 3-Y-O Maiden Hurdle (3:55pm, 2m1f215y)
The opening race set the tone beautifully, as SOPELANA crossed the line in 4m 46.60s under a composed ride from jockey Jordan Gainford. Trainer Cian Collins’s preparation was spot on, with breeder New England Stud & Mount Coote Stud and owner Tallys Bar Syndicate enjoying a winning start to the day. BRIDEZILLA kept the race honest with a strong challenge, while IN THE MINUS stayed on well to complete the placings.
Race 2: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Maiden Hurdle (4:25pm, 2m1f215y)
The second contest kept the excitement rolling, with KORINTHIA producing a well-judged performance to take victory in 4m 47.40s. The horse was handled expertly by jockey Paul Townend, guided by trainer W P Mullins, and supported by breeder John O’Connor and owner Killeedy/Listowel Syndicate. YOURE A DERRY GIRL chased bravely, while HIGH NOTIONS showed good late progress to secure third.
Race 3: Michael Cawe Suspended Ceilings Handicap Hurdle (5:00pm, 2m6f5y)
In the third race, PRIORY PARK proved the strongest on the day, completing the trip in 6m 3.00s. Jockey Eoin Staples delivered a confident ride, trainer and owner Edward F Power had the runner in peak condition, and breeder Sean Collins & John Fitzpatrick shared in the success. DOWN AROUND was close up in second, with FLIDAIS holding on gamely for a deserved placing.
Race 4: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Handicap Hurdle (5:30pm, 2m6f5y)
The fourth race produced one of the day’s closest finishes, with WORLD OF FORTUNES just getting the verdict in 6m 1.50s. Jockey Tiernan Power Roche kept cool under pressure, while trainer Liam Kenny, breeder K D Cotter, and owner Michael F Broderick all played their part. ITS NOT OVER YET fought to the line in a thrilling duel, and CARRIED WITH LOVE kept on strongly to finish right behind.
Race 5: P&D Lydon Mares Beginners Chase (6:00pm, 2m7f6y)
The fifth contest carried the afternoon’s momentum forward, as LITTLEBIGGIE stormed home in 6m 33.00s. Jockey Daniel King timed the challenge perfectly, trainer Ray Hackett ensured the horse was well prepared, and breeder and owner Mrs Siobhan Hogan enjoyed the rewards. MOZZIES SISTER stayed competitive throughout, with SLOTTY DOTTY running on well to complete the frame.
Race 6: Lodge At Ashford Castle Handicap Chase (6:30pm, 2m7f6y)
The sixth race added more drama, with GOD HELP US taking the honours in 6m 40.30s. The partnership between jockey Simon Torrens and trainer Eamonn Francis Gallagher shone, supported by breeder Mr P Ferguson and owner John A O’Meara. BALLAGH STAR pushed hard late, while MY FRIEND THE WIND stayed on steadily for third.
Race 7: Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Chase (7:00pm, 2m1f48y)
As the evening progressed, the penultimate race saw HOWYA LUVEEN score impressively in 4m 50.00s. Jockey John Shinnick delivered a polished ride, trainer Ross O’Sullivan kept the horse sharp, and breeder as well as owner Downtown Syndicate shared the success. WARM IN GOREY gave chase gamely, with Finnians Row proving reliable once again to take third.
Race 8: OCL Laundry (Pro-Am) INH Flat Race (7:30pm, 2m24y)
The season’s closing race provided a fitting finale, as GOVERNORS ROCK ended the night on a high, completing the course in 4m 30.30s. Jockey Mr D Doyle, trainer Mark Fahey, breeder Eric Larkin, and owner Jeffrey Brennan will cherish this final Ballinrobe win of the year. BLUE WATERS fought bravely to the line, while Takiwatanga added one last strong effort to bring the curtain down.
As the sun set on Ballinrobe, the season came to a close with smiles, applause, and a sense of satisfaction. The day’s winners etched their names into the course’s history, while fans left with memories of a fitting finale to another exciting year of racing at this much-loved Irish venue.
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