The Harvest Festival at Listowel, one of Ireland’s most vibrant racing gatherings, enters its fifth day on September 25 with seven exciting contests from 2:15 PM to 5:45 PM. Known for blending tradition, atmosphere, and high-quality competition, Listowel offers another afternoon of jumps action featuring a mix of maidens, handicaps, seasoned chasers, and a closing flat test. Fans can expect drama, energy, and festival cheer as the week heads toward its climax.
Race 1: Buckley Agri New Holland Irish EBF Mares Maiden Hurdle (2:15pm, 2miles)
The opener sees the mares take center stage in this EBF maiden, offering a chance for new names to shine. AMBURANA, ARUNTOTHEQUEEN and CARRIGMOORNASPRUCE may look sharp from the start, while LADY KINGBURAGH, QUEEN’S MEADOW and WOODLAND ADVENTURE could be dangerous if they settle into rhythm. A lively beginning should set the tone, with mares aged 4 and up hoping to seize maiden glory. Stakes: €16,500
Race 2: Connolly’s RED MILLS Irish EBF Auction Maiden Hurdle (IRE Incentive Race) (2:50pm, 2miles)
The second race features another maiden test, carrying the added value of Irish incentive rewards. HEADS UP, FOUND A DIAMOND and TOTAL TRANSPARENCY will aim to assert themselves early, but WATCHFUL PROTECTOR, JUST FOR ONE and THAT’S SO TRUE might capitalize if the pace proves too demanding. Stakes: €20,000
Race 3: Listowel Races Supporters Club Lartigue Hurdle In Memory Of John Molyneaux (3:25pm, 2miles)
The card heats up with a listed handicap, promising a competitive field of quality runners. LUKER’S TIPPLE, MONEY DANCER and LAST KINGDOM could control the tempo, though YOSEMITE GOLD, BUTTER FINGERS and AUTUMN TWIST will be waiting to pounce with stamina in reserve. Stakes: €60,000
Race 4: Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle (4:00pm, 2miles)
Race four welcomes a broad field of four-year-olds and upwards, ensuring a test of both youth and experience. OH SO CHARMING, METAMORPHEUS and FOOL ME ONCE may hold an edge with early speed, while WARDENS WHISPER, KELLY’S COSMOS and GAOITHE GLORY could challenge late if conditions suit. Stakes: €14,000
Race 5: Behans Horseshoe Bar, Restaurant & Townhouse Handicap Hurdle (4:35pm, 2m4f)
The fifth race follows in similar fashion, with more seasoned contenders stepping forward. MOONOVERCLOON, IRA HAYES and DUTY BOUND will hope to dominate early, though WALNUT BEACH, POSITIVE THINKER, JERIKO DE BAUNE and CLUB MANAGER could make it interesting if they find their rhythm mid-race. Stakes: €16,500
Race 6: Thorn Plant Hire Beginners Chase (5:10pm, 2m6f)
The sixth contest is a beginner’s chase, offering a platform for horses trying their luck over fences for the first time. BEAUFORT SCALE, BRIGHT LEGEND and MOSSY FEN PARK could adapt quickly to the challenge, while PROPHET’S CORNER, PRINCESS GEORGIE and UNCLE PAT might make their experience over hurdles count. Stakes: €14,000
Race 7: Kevin McManus Bookmaker INH Flat Race (5:45pm, 2miles)
The day concludes with a flat race for four-year-olds, closing the card with a different tempo. BELIEVE AGAIN, DANNY THE CHAMP and MAXICOURT may have the turn of foot to dominate, though BAYSWATER BLOOM, WILD WILD WIND and POETIC LICENCE will be right there if the pace proves manageable. Expect an energetic finale, with MISTER PESSIMISTIC and GREY JUDE chasing one last win on Day Five of the Harvest Festival. Stakes: €12,000
As Day Five draws to a close, Listowel continues to deliver a festival of racing full of variety and passion. From emerging mares and maiden hopefuls to the listed handicap and beginner’s chase, every contest adds to the festival’s charm. With more action still to come, the Harvest Festival is proving once again why it holds such a special place on Ireland’s racing calendar.
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