Kilbeggan Racecourse comes alive this evening, July 11, with a glittering mix of high-stakes National Hunt racing and contemporary flair, as the historic venue hosts its flagship fixture—the €100,000 Kilmurray’s Homevalue Hardware Midlands National Handicap Chase. Nestled in the heart of Ireland’s Midlands, this picturesque course stages one of the most eagerly awaited events of the summer calendar, drawing serious contenders eyeing the Galway Plate and beyond. Adding a progressive touch to tradition, the card is paired with Sustainable Style Ladies Day, celebrating eco-conscious fashion and further cementing Kilbeggan’s standing as a venue that blends elegance with ambition.
The racing action begins at 16:25 with the Mares Maiden Hurdle, a two-mile contest featuring a 14-runner field brimming with potential. Among the standout names are Atomic Queen, Kabylia (FR), and Kenisa Sport (FR), each looking to establish their presence in novice company. The lineup also includes Ponderosa Lady, Rizedda (FR), and Is She Now, all representing respected yards hoping to strike early.
At 17:00, the Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey Maiden Hurdle raises the bar with a stamina-sapping trip of 2 miles, 2 furlongs, and 160 yards. This €10,000 contest draws an equally competitive cast, with Faceman, Killian’s Garden, and Saint Peregrine expected to attract betting support. The French-bred Sugar Cookie (FR) adds an international flavour to proceedings, while Mickey Cohen and Irina’s Path (FR) bring intrigue from less exposed profiles.
The stakes are raised significantly at 17:30 with the €30,000 Writech Handicap Hurdle, the first of the day’s headline events. This well-contested race over the same 2m2f160yds distance features a quality lineup including Oh So Charming (GB), Ad Caelum, Boston Rajj, and the experienced Shraheen. Fast Felix and Tingarran Express provide additional strength in depth, and Miss Dishy could prove a live outsider if conditions suit.
As the clock strikes 18:00, attention turns to Division I of the Larrigy’s Pub Handicap Hurdle, another test over 2m2f160yds offering €10,000 in prize money. It’s a wide-open affair with several capable handicappers in the mix. Bestaline (FR), Bearami Creek, and Real Empire (GB) bring solid recent form, while late closers like Chancer Dancer and My Good Pal could pose threats if the race unfolds at a solid gallop.
Half an hour later, Division II of the same race gets underway with 16 new contenders set to do battle. Charlie’s Gift, Depalma, and Harley Street are among those expected to feature prominently, while Chartwell’s Lady (GB), Party Pack, and Tullyhogue Fort add variety to a field filled with seasoned campaigners and improving types alike.
Stamina is the name of the game at 19:00 with the New Forest Estate & Golf Club Handicap Hurdle, run over a grueling three miles and 180 yards for a purse of €10,000. This marathon event has drawn a deep field, including Ennell Shadow, Mister Vic, and Bigira (FR). Southgate Avenue and Onefortheditch are two others likely to be seen staying on stoutly in the final stages, while County Champs and Conflict Lady represent dark horses with unexposed profiles over the trip.
The marquee race of the evening, the Kilmurray’s Homevalue Hardware Midlands National Handicap Chase, gets underway at 19:30. With a €100,000 prize pool and a demanding distance of 3 miles and 1 furlong plus 80 yards, this feature race has drawn a stellar cast. Buddy One looks to stamp his authority in top staying company, while Final Orders (GB), Spanish Harlem (FR), and Amirite form a formidable group of challengers from Ireland’s elite yards. In Excelsis Deo (FR), Riaan, and Drumgill add to the depth of quality, making this a genuine highlight of the summer jumps season and a serious trial for Galway’s big showpiece.
Closing out the evening at 20:00 is the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Steeplechase, which mirrors the feature race’s trip of 3m1f80yds and carries a purse of €15,000. Beaufort Scale heads the field with consistent form behind him, while others such as Dartan (GB), Golden Temple, and You Oughta Know seek to make their mark at the end of a long and competitive card.
With competitive fields, significant prize money, and a sustainable fashion showcase adding to the allure, Kilbeggan’s Midlands National evening promises a memorable blend of sport, style, and substance under the summer sky.
