MANAGEMENT and staff at Killarney Racecourse joined forces at the weekend to celebrate one of the most successful tears in the history of the local track.
With the three festival meetings now worth close on €8 million to the local economy, hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, bars, shops and transport service providers all report a boom during the races in May, July and August.
An extra day of racing was added in July – bringing the total number to 12 in the year – and a whopping €1.5 million in prizemoney was on offer for the 2018 season.
A staff appreciation night was held at the course at the weekend and they all reflected on a job well done.
Killarney Race Company Chairman, Gerard Coughlan, said attendances for the three festivals was hugely encouraging and he thanked all patrons and sponsors who supported the races.
“We went out on a real high with a 15 per cent increase in attendance on the closing day of the August Festival, bringing a very successful year on the track to a wonderful climax.
“Despite the drought, the course was in pristine condition for all three festivals and we would like to compliment course supervisor, Padraig Bruton, and his team for their great work,” Mr Coughlan stated.
Killarney is unique in Irish Racing in that it hosts two separate Ladies Day events. This year marked Dawn Milk’s 25th consecutive year associated with Killarney Racecourse through Queen of Fashion sponsorship in July and a new sponsor joined this year for the August Ladies Day with Simply Suits of Killarney and Cork coming on board.
Behind the scenes, a new addition this year was the provision of ice baths for the competing jockeys and they were absolutely delighted with that facility.
Pictures: Sally MacMonagle. Click on individual images for details
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