Dundalk Stadium in County Louth, Ireland, is gearing up for a special evening on 19 September, with eight races between 4:50 PM and 8:30 PM. This fixture ushers in Dundalk’s Friday Night Lights series, part of a dual-racing concept: horse racing alongside greyhound racing, which runs weekly through to 19 December. Flat racing returns in two Maiden races this evening, offering hopefuls their first chance in the limelight, while the rest of the card promises handicaps and features on the all-weather Polytrack surface. Floodlights, cool autumn air, and the mix of fresh energy and experience make this one to watch.
Race 1: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Race (4:50pm, 5f)
The meeting begins with the opener featuring a clash of 2-yr-olds where FIRST APPROACH, METHODTOMY MADNESS and PRACTICAL MOVE are expected to set the pace early, while ROSIE FRITH, PROSPECT THUNDER and UNAUTHORIZED could threaten in the closing stages. A lively way to kick off the evening’s action. Winner’s gain: €12,980
Race 2: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Maiden (5:25pm, 6f)
Next up is the first Maiden race, where 2-yr-old newcomers such as THISTLE CROSS, BOSTON MAX and COINCIDENTAL GLORY will be striving for that breakthrough run, and WHITE SMOKE, ALL THE GIRLS and CALIFORNIA BABY might surprise if they adapt quickly to the track. Strong maiden performances often foreshadow future stars. Winner’s gain: €10,620
Race 3: Friday Night Lights Are Back At Dundalk Handicap (6:00pm, 7f)
The third contest brings a test of form and durability, with horses aged 3 and up like IMPERIAL DREAM, BEST SUGGESTION and LAND OF THE GIANTS looking to prove consistency, while ROCK ETOILE, MOYASSR and SPANISH TEMPTRESS might produce a late surge. Often, this race shows how the going and evening conditions are playing. Winner’s gain: €6,785
Race 4: Bar One Better On Football Handicap (6:30pm, 1mile)
The fourth race sees NAMMOS, SIERRA DE GREDOS and PUNK POET lining up in what looks to be a tactical affair, with early speed expected, but BOUTELLA, MASTER GARVEY and PAUSE FOR PEACE could benefit from timing their run to full effect. Winner’s gain: €5,900
Race 5: Enjoy Racing TV With A Free Trial Now Apprentice Handicap (7:00pm, 1m4f)
Race 5 should raise the stakes with a competitive field of horses aged 4 and over lining up; AUTOCRAT, SATONO CHEVALIER and CHURCH MOUNTAIN may use gate speed to advantage, while GALLO DELL CIELO, BENAVENTE and GRACESOLUTION might finish strongest. One of the races where value often appears. Winner’s gain: €7,670
Race 6: Irishinjuredjockeys.com Handicap (Div I) (7:30pm, 1m2f150y)
As the evening progresses, the sixth race will challenge 3-yr-old and up horses’ speed and stamina, with HASTEN SLOWLY, THEGOOSEISCOOKED and CALA BONITA looking well-positioned and others like COWZER SOZE, SHARE THE TREASURE and GLYDE RANGER aiming to deliver under pressure. Winner’s gain: €5,900
Race 7: Irishinjuredjockeys.com Handicap (Div II) (8:00pm, 1m2f150y)
The penultimate contest has those who have found form earlier eyeing a win, so ARRUMBA, CORDOUAN and ELEGANT GRAND may lead early, but SMOOTH, NO MORE KISSES, TARA POWER and FAMOUS ENOUGH could make this a tight finish. The crowd’s expectations climb here. Winner’s gain: €5,900
Race 8: Celebrate Your Special Occasion At Dundalk Stadium Maiden (8:30pm, 1m2f150y)
To close out the evening, the final race is a Maiden clash of 3-yr-old and upwards, where EL GALVINO, MARMELADOVA, DIVA TIME and EDWARD HAMILTON hope to claim their first victory, while YUP BRO, TRIUMPHANT KNIGHT and MORETHAN AMBITIONS might push hard in late strides. A fitting close to a fixture that blends freshness and flair. Winner’s gain: €7,080
As the lights glow on at Dundalk and the last race is run, this dual-racing fixture is set to deliver an evening rich in contrasts: promising Maidens, seasoned handicappers, and the buzz of greyhound racing to follow. It’s that shift into autumn racing mood – cool air, close finishes, new names emerging. Tonight will give plenty of storylines to carry forward into Dundalk’s winter nights.
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