Pictures: Don MacMonagle
The team at Killarney Races are reflecting on another hugely successful event as the AugustFest celebration delivered a fun-filled programme, super crowds, top-class racing and an atmosphere that was not to be missed.
Thursday, the opening day, saw Salt Lake City win the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Ruby Stakes under a great ride from Killian Hennessy for Aidan O’Brien. Jesse Evans, second in the Galway Hurdle on his previous start, stayed on stoutly to win the GMIB Kingdom Gold Cup Handicap.
Friday saw Shecouldbeanything add to her Listed win in May, when landing the SP or Better Guaranteed with Tote Handicap Hurdle. Faha based trainer Charles Coakley enjoyed his first Killarney winner as Definiteadare obliged impressively in the Thorn Plant Hire Handicap Chase
On Saturday, jump racing took centre stage for the second day in a row to a packed crowd of enthusiastic racegoers. On the track, there was great excitement as the feature Kelliher’s Toyota Handicap Chase of €45,000 went the way of Stealthy Tom, a fourth Killarney success for the JP McManus owned eight-year-old.
Aurora Vega, daughter of the great Quevega and full sister of Facile Vega, easily maintained her unbeaten status in the KWD Recycling Race and she looks to have a very bright future ahead of her.
Saturday was also Kelliher’s Toyota Ladies’ Day which brought the glamour stakes to Killarney Races as fashionistas brought the curtain down on AugustFest in stunning style. Fashion savvy racegoers turned out in their droves to compete for the coveted title of best dressed lady.
The fashion was fabulous and judge Jennifer Wynne had a tough challenge selecting her finalists.
Serena Delaney was the lucky lady that was deemed most stylish on the day. From Upper Park Road in Killarney, Serena’s stunning look was a beautiful Sister Jayne dress combined with a stunning Marc Millinery headpiece.
She teamed her stunning look with bright pink heels and a bag from Zara to tie the entire look together and completed it beautifully with gold accessories.
“I’m absolutely thrilled, I’ve never won anything in my life,” said Serena.
“It’s we ever attend and to be selected as winner was just the icing on the cake. All my family had a great day and it was really special, one I’ll always remember”.
Tim Kelliher, Managing Director of Kelliher’s Toyota, commented: “We are over the moon with the reception that we have been given by everybody associated with the Killarney Races.”
Killarney Races has one final weekend meeting to look forward to on the first weekend in October so those looking for a proper day out need look no further as all details at KillarneyRaces.ie and on social media.
