The curtain came down on Roscommon’s 2025 racing season this Monday, October 13, as the ROSCOMMON RACECOURSE in Ireland, staged its final meeting of the year. From 2:05 pm to 5:05 pm, seven competitive flat races unfolded beneath soft autumn skies, marking a fitting farewell to a season rich in emotion, competition, and memorable finishes. The course, nestled in Ireland’s scenic midlands, has long been loved for its balance of friendliness and challenge — a venue where horses and riders alike must bring courage and craft. The closing day captured that very spirit: familiar connections seeking one last success, young horses testing their promise, and the crowd soaking up every stride as the season drew to a close.
Race 1: Roscommon Racecourse (2:05pm, 7f111yds)
The finale afternoon began with a maiden dash on a bright note as MILLRACEFLOW claimed victory in 1m 40.10s, handled confidently by jockey W J LEE. Trainer A OLIVER had the horse perfectly placed for this moment, while breeder LUCY BLAKE and owner DAVID BRAZIL saw their colours shine one more time. GALLEY POINT chased gamely, and HEXAGONAL held on for third after a determined run.
Race 2: Guinness Handicap (2:35pm, 7f111yds)
Momentum built quickly when SPANISH TEMPTRESS delivered a sharp performance in 1m 37.63s, guided with precision by COLIN KEANE. The victory crowned a fine campaign for RICHARD JOHN O’BRIEN, while breeder ROSSENARRA BLOODSTOCK LTD’s lines once again proved their worth and owner PHOENIX RISING SYNDICATE celebrated in style. FAST TARA gave a strong chase, and RIBEE added further depth to the contest.
Race 3: Roscommon Racecourse On Facebook Handicap (3:05pm, 7f111yds)
In the third race, LA TULIPE NOIRE showed resilience to edge ahead in 1m 39.77s, with JESSICA O’GORMAN’s cool handling making the difference. Trainer as well as owner AENGUS KING’s preparation paid off as he enjoyed a memorable triumph and breeder PATRICK MEAGHER was rewarded for patient development. NIBRAS RAINBOW pressed bravely in the closing strides, and SUNDAY SOVEREIGN held firm to complete the frame.
Race 4: Gary’s Gardening Services Maiden (3:35pm, 1m2f95yds)
As the afternoon progressed, MOCKING produced one of the more eye-catching efforts of the day, winning in 2m 26.44s. ROBERT WHEARTY judged the pace beautifully, GAVIN CROMWELL timed the peak to perfection, and breeder PRIMERA BLOODSTOCK and owner O T I RACING could hardly have wished for a stronger finish to the season. MCLOUGHLIN ran on honestly, with BOBBY KIROVA keeping close company to secure third.
Race 5: Roscommon Rated Race (4:05pm, 1m2f95yds)
Race five carried the competitive tension that defines Roscommon. GLENROYAL battled to victory in 2m 24.83s, urged home by DYLAN BROWNE MCMONAGLE in a ride full of judgment. JOSEPH PATRICK O’BRIEN’s team had done their homework, while breeder WHITEFRAIR STUD’s influence shone through and owner RAY GREHAN savoured a proud moment. REFRESHMENT stayed in touch until the end, and LOCAL LAD maintained consistency for a solid third.
Race 6: On-Course Vets Handicap (4:35pm, 1m4f46yds)
The penultimate race brought another strong display as EPHESUS asserted class to finish in 2m 50.55s. J M SHERIDAN executed the plan perfectly, DENIS GERARD HOGAN reaped the reward of fine conditioning, and breeder CAPITAL BLOODSTOCK’s stock again impressed. Owner T & M PARTNERSHIP could take satisfaction from an expertly managed campaign. EHTEYAT tried gamely to close, while SON OF HYPNOS kept on for a commendable third.
Race 7: Thank You For Your Support Handicap (5:05pm, 1m4f46yds)
Fittingly, the season’s final race went to NANCEE SPAIN, who stormed home in 2m 50.34s, sealing the day — and the year — in style. BEN COEN guided with confidence, Trainer DANIEL MCLOUGHLIN signed off the season with a winner, and breeders CAROL HENLEY & ERIC MCDONNELL and owner MRS CAROL HENLEY shared a moment to remember. DAYMER BAY put up a spirited fight, while VICEREGENT completed the final frame of 2025 at Roscommon.
With that, the 2025 season at Roscommon Racecourse drew to a heart-warming close. The day reflected everything that defines Irish flat racing — dedication, passion, and a touch of community spirit. As the grandstands emptied and autumn settled in, talk already turned to Roscommon’s 2026 return, when the gates will reopen and fresh hopes will gallop down the Lenabane straight once again.
Read more racing stories on RaceBuzz.
