This Sunday, on September 21, at LISTOWEL RACECOURSE in County Kerry, the famous Listowel Harvest Meeting opens with a thrilling all-jumps card from 2:30pm to 5:30pm. One of Ireland’s most enduring festivals (running since 1858), the Harvest Meeting blends racing tradition with the joy of autumn gatherings. Locals and visitors flock here for the electric atmosphere, the competitive spirit, and the sense that every contest could unveil a new star of the season. From young hurdlers to seasoned chasers, the stage is perfectly set for a day where passion, history, and racing meet in one of Ireland’s most cherished venues.
Race 1: Charleville Cheese 3-Y-O Hurdle (2:30pm, 2miles)
The afternoon begins at Warrnambool with a maiden for three-year-olds and upwards, where fresh faces look to make their mark. Whats New, Something Noble and Desmond Castle may be eager to set the tempo early, while Thunder Wolf, Crooked Path and Ranting And Raven could find their stride once the pressure builds. It’s the kind of opener that sets the tone for the day. Stakes: €15,000
Race 2: Cheestrings Irish EBF Mares Hurdle (3:00pm, 2miles)
Mares aged 4 and up step into the spotlight in this EBF-eligible contest, where class and consistency count for plenty. Jalila Moriviere, Dream On Baby and Gers Gigi may arrive with strong form behind her, ready to test her rivals with a fluent jump,while Farfromnowhere and Adela Icon has the scope to improve if the race falls her way. Expect a determined and spirited display as the crowd gets firmly engaged. Stakes: €19,500
Race 3: Bloom Feeds Irish EBF Mares Handicap Hurdle (3:30pm, 2m2f)
The mares return for a second EBF-eligible contest, adding depth to the day’s story. Pampar Lady, Glitz And Glamour and Polly Poppins might be looking to press the issue early, setting a demanding rhythm, but You’llfindandsee, Music Of Life and Mountrivers Lass has the late pace to challenge once stamina is tested. It’s the kind of race where resilience and timing make all the difference. Stakes: €14,500
Race 4: Dairygold Maiden Hurdle (4:00pm, 2m6f)
A fresh opportunity for older maidens (aged 5 and up) to finally find their breakthrough. Good Girl Kathleen, Hilltop Duchess and Soldiers World could try to rely on experience and grit, making their presence felt from the start, while Elle Klassycco, Burren View and Rony Has might keep something in reserve for the stretch run. The hunger to break that maiden tag always adds an extra spark. Stakes: €13,500
Race 5: Kerrymaid Rated Novice Chase (4:30pm, 2m1f150y)
Bigger fences bring bigger dreams in this novice chase for 4-yr-olds and up. Aspurofthemoment, Hashtag Pretender and The Electrical Kid could be one of the bold jumpers to take the initiative, while Solsbury Hill, Waterford Whispers and Birdie Or Bust may prefer to bide their time and strike when the pressure rises. It’s a test of bravery and balance, with the potential to mark out a future star. Stakes: €17,500
Race 6: Kerry Dairy Ireland Handicap Chase (5:00pm, 2m1f150y)
This is where stamina and character come to the fore. In this extended handicap steeplechase for 4-yr-olds & upwards like So Scottish, Battle Of Ridgeway and Captains Nephew might attempt to dictate matters with a steady but demanding tempo, yet Crowsatedappletart, Prince Of Air and Dutch Schultz could lie in wait to strike when the field tires late on. A searching race that often rewards patience and careful riding. Stakes: €45,000
Race 7: Farm & Home Store (Pro/Am) INH Flat Race (5:30pm, 2miles)
The afternoon closes with a flat test, where jump horses aged 5 and up show their pace without obstacles in the way. Bridge View Star, Lady Lena and State Pension could relish the open gallop, stretching out smoothly, while Darcys Song, Hurricane Leaf and Hillfort Manor might come with a strong late surge to make it exciting at the line. It’s a softer finish to the card, but no less intriguing for spotting hidden talent. Stakes: €12,000
With the opening day of the Harvest Meeting complete, Listowel once again proves why it remains a crown jewel in Irish racing. Beyond the racing, it is the warmth of Kerry, the festival atmosphere, and the tradition stretching back over a century that make this meeting unique. As the festival continues through the week, today’s performances may well be remembered as the starting point of stories that will echo far beyond Listowel’s finishing post.
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