By Dan Walsh at Wexford Races
Local jockey Sarah Kavanagh won the feature race at today’s St. Patrick’s Day races at Bettyville Park on the opening day of the 2026 season aboard Don’t Go Yet (5/1) in the Michael O’Murchadha Handicap Hurdle.
Owned and trained by Edward Cawley who made the trip from Meath Don’t Go Yet won by six and a half lengths to give the Ardcavan, Castlebridge native her eighth career winner in the two miles contest.
Speaking to WexfordLocal.com after her victory, Sarah confirmed it was her second success at Wexford having previously scored on Feet Of A Dancer for Paul Nolan in June 2023.
Tinahely trainer Philip Rothwell saddled Zam Bobbler (14/1) who was successful in the maiden hurdle ridden by Tiernan Power Roche from Tomhaggard. Power Roche was stood down later in the day when his mount slipped up, however, it is just a medical precaution, and he will be back in action again soon.
Best display of the day was Yoradreamer (13/8 fav.) who came home 22 lengths ahead of the field in the beginners’ chase for the Cheltenham champions Willie Mullins and Paul Townend.
Equally impressive was Minella Machine (4/5 fav) ridden by John Gleeson for Henry de Bromhead in the concluding ‘bumper’
Sarah Connell from Tallow, Co. Waterford, who has only two horses in training, won the mares’ maiden hurdle with Catchabird (7/4 fav.) ridden by five-pound claimer Aidan Kelly.
John McConnell also travelled from Meath to saddle Westoftignes (9/2) for Scottish owner John Fyffe in the novice handicap hurdle and it ended with a three and a half lengths victory under jockey Alex Harvey.
Cheltenham winning jockey Darragh O’Keeffe from Mallow won the handicap chase on Connemara Shore (13/2) for Robert Tyner’s Cork stables. It was the biggest field of the day – 16 runners – and the winning verdict was two- and three-quarter lengths.
It was a nice afternoon’s racing, very competitive, a good-sized holiday crowd and while it was a chill wind it remained dry throughout the seven race card and a fine start to the 2026 season.
Wexford has 14 fixtures this year, the highest number ever! Next day out is Friday, April 10th which is an evening meeting.
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