By Dan Walsh at Wexford Races
Enniscorthy trainer Paul Nolan followed his 40/1 Fairyhouse winner on Tuesday with a treble at today’s (Wednesday) final Wexford fixture, where he fielded a strong team. This was the replacement fixture for the one abandoned on Bank Holiday Monday due to unsuitable ground conditions.
An Peann Dearg (18/1) got the winners rolling in the novice hurdle and The Big Clubman (11/8 fav.) did the business for Nolan in the beginner’s chase. Both were ridden by Taghmon jockey Sean O’Keeffe.
Nolan’s treble was achieved in the maiden hurdle with Walking Saint (10/3) ridden by another local jockey Eoin Staples from Duncormik.
The leading trainer and jockey at Wexford are Henry de Bromhead and Darragh O’Keeffe and they enjoyed a double this afternoon – Palinca (1/3 fav.) impressively in a maiden hurdle and The Big Westerner (1/3 fav.) by 15 lengths in the only Listed Race run at Wexford – the Michael Hickey Memorial Steeplechase.
This was the end of the 75th year of racing at Bettyville Park and a special day for Dr John O’Connor from Bannow who retired as the Racecourse Doctor and received a special presentation and farewell.
Speaking on behalf of everybody associated with Wexford Races, Managing Director Ursula Sinnott said; “We would like to pay a special tribute to Dr. John O’Connor who is retiring as our Racecourse Doctor. John has been the longest serving doctor for all Irish racecourses to date. His service to Wexford racecourse has spanned 54 years!
“He has been a dedicated and much appreciated member of our team and he will be very much missed,” said Ms Sinnott, who concluded: “We look forward to welcoming Dr John as a racing fan to Wexford Racecourse for many years to come.”
Jockeys formed a guard of honour for Dr John, while racing colleagues offered thanks and best wishes and spectators in the stands and enclosures applauded warmly.
Racing returns to Wexford again on Sunday, March 14th 2027. Fourteen meets again in 2027. The message is to think of Wexford races and the annual membership is an option when shopping for Christmas presents at www.wexfordraces.ie
