By Dan Walsh at Wexford Races
In contrast to Sunday’s horrible weather conditions today’s fixture was held in pleasant dry and mild conditions, and the brilliant low sunshine on the hollowed Bettyville Park turf, at one stage caused the last fence in the straight to be omitted for health and safety reasons, but nobody amongst the large attendance were complaining.
There were music and food, social interaction and betting, and of course competitive racing on the track. Unfortunately for the second day in a row there were no Wexford trained or ridden winners, however, well-known Wexford owner John Brennan admitted a ‘share’ in bumper winner, Ira Hayes, (9/1) who is trained in Co. Meath by John McConnell.
Colm Murphy and Conor Stone-Walsh were runners-up by half a length with Depalma against One Big Boum in the maiden hurdle. A long steward’s enquiry followed but the result was unaltered.
The only Listed Race run at Wexford is the Michael Hickey Memorial Race, it was a little disappointing that the field reduced by 50% and only three competed and success went the way of Heart Wood, (8/13 fav.) ridden by Darragh O’Keeffe who had a treble on Sunday, so the young jockey from the townland of Upperlacknalooha, near Malow in Co. Cork will have good memories of the October Bank Holiday at Wexford.
Today was the last day in the parade ring for Jim Mernagh, Clohass, Davidstown, who was ‘best turned out’ judge at Wexford races for about three decades.
He was fair, honest and an astute judge of the best horses in each race on the day and the management and staff were joined by the goodwill of the attendance as his praises were highlighted and some presentations were made to Jim who was accompanied by his supportive family.
Wexford takes a rest for the winter months, but the 2025 season will emerge on March 17th, known to you and me as St. Patrick’s Day and it falls on a Monday – so a long weekend in prospect. Eleven fixtures in all planned for the new year.
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