‘Luck of the Irish’ at Down Royal

DOWN Royal Racecourse was the place to be on St. Patrick’s Day last week, as thousands of people gathered with hope of a little ‘luck of the Irish’ at the track, both racegoers and trainers alike.

The annual St. Patrick’s Day race meeting drew crowds from all over the country, with some of Ireland’s top trainers sending entries – though many of the trainers themselves had another meeting to attend that day (just a little event called Cheltenham).

This year’s Down Royal event was particularly special, as it marked the first time since Covid, that the St. Patrick’s Day meeting was able to be held without a restriction on the numbers who could attend.

The event was again sponsored by Bluegrass Horse Feeds, a local company that has been supporting horse racing throughout Ireland for many years, with many top trainers being loyal customers, such as Gordon Elliott and Henry De Bromhead.

“We’re thrilled to be a part of this amazing event,” said Bluegrass Horse Feed’s spokesperson, Adam Short. “We believe in supporting the horse racing community, and it’s great to see such a fantastic turnout today. Down Royal and their staff always put on a superb meeting and we are very happy to work with them every year. “Congratulations to all the winners and connections, and we look forward to sponsoring many more events like this in the future.”

RESULTS

Friday, March 17

Bluegrasshorsefeed.com Maiden Hurdle: 1) Western Comandor, trained by John Patrick Ryan and ridden by Liam Quinlan; 2) Flamborough, trained by Thomas Gibney and ridden by Darragh O’Keeffe; 3) Canal End, trained by Peter Fahey, ridden by Jody McGarvey.

Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle: 1) Thecornerhouse, trained by Mrs Julie Cashin, ridden by Evan Dwan; 2) Perfect Arch, trained by J J Lambe, ridden by Shane Fenelon; 3) Bugscuffle, trained by Andrew McNamara, ridden by Dillon Maxwell.

Powered By Bluegrass Novice Handicap Hurdle: 1) Ottoman Style, trained by Dermot A McLoughlin, ridden by Conor Maxwell. 2) Monbeg Park, trained by Sean Thomas Doyle, ridden by Mr B Lawless; 3) L Anamour, trained by S R B Crawford, ridden by J J Slevin.

Bluegrass Stamm 30 Chase: 1) Longhouse Poet, trained by Martin Brassil, ridden by J J Slevin; 2) Roi Mage, trained by Patrick Griffin, ridden by Mark McDonagh; 3) Burrows Saint, trained by W P Mullins, ridden by Conor McNamara.

Follow On Instagram @bluegrasshorsefeed Rated Novice Chase: 1) The Greek, trained by Gordon Elliott, ridden by Denis O’Regan; 2) Chameron, trained by Patrick Griffin, ridden by Conor Maxwell; 3) Carrig Sam, trained by A L T Moore, ridden by Ricky Doyle.

Bluegrass Mare Prepare Hunters Chase: 1) Ultimate Optimist, trained by D M Christie, ridden by Mr A Harvey; 2) The Flier Begley, trained by S R B Crawford, ridden by Mr S Connor; 3) Lord Schnirzel, trained by Declan Queally, ridden by Mr J W Hannon.

Bluegrass Horse Feeds Mares INH Flat Race: 1) Cuta Des As, trained by W P Mullins, ridden by Mr Pat Taaffe; 2) Sunshine Girl, trained by S R B Crawford, ridden by Mr S Connor; 3) Noble Annys, trained by John Joseph Winston, ridden by Mr J C Barry.