By Dan Walsh
The thrills and spills of jump racing and the rhythm of thundering hooves in a highly competitive environment will echo from Wexford Racecourse on Wednesday evening with the first of an eight-race card off at 4.45pm.
It is the first of two days racing at Wexford in conjunction with Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann (there is another evening fixture on Friday) where the world’s greatest music festival is in full flow, and such is the social attraction that music and sport complement each together in a special way.
Up-to-date information from Horse Racing Ireland tonight informs us that selective watering commenced today (Tuesday), describe the GOING as ‘good’ and the forecast is for “a mainly dry day with some passing showers (2mm approx.).”
There was a huge entry, hence an eight-race programme consisting of four steeplechases, three hurdle races and an INH Flat race that features an entry from the UK and Ireland champion stables of Willie Mullins, just up the road in Coolcullen, Co. Carlow.
The top jockeys will be in action and there will be a special attraction in the presence of Wexford jockey, JJ Slevin from Caim, Enniscorthy, who last Thursday won the featured Guinness Galway Hurdle on Nurburging for his cousin Joseph O’Brien from Carrick-on-Suir. Other jockeys in action include the reigning champion Jack Kennedy and the ever-popular Rachael Blackmore.
All the top trainers have runners including Gordon Elliott, Edward O’Grady, Wilie Mullins and Henry de Bromhead and several local trainers including Paul Nolan, Liz Doyle, Moses McCabe, Philip Rothwell and Sean Doyle.
It is going to be a great evening at Wexford races, a family atmosphere is anticipated and great atmosphere of sport, so if you can, come to Bettyville Park where racecourse parking is freely available.
WexfordLocal.com 