Another fantastic evening at Summer Barbecue horse racing meeting in Clonmel

Above: Declan Ryan, Bulmers, makes a presentation to the family and friends of winning owner Denis Enright after the victory of Name Me Famous in the Bulmers Opportunity Handicap Steeplechase. Also included is trainer Eoin McCarthy, on the right 

The weather gods smiled on Powerstown Park last Friday evening for the ever-popular end-of-season Bulmers Summer Barbecue Race Evening.

With the cider, which is made up of 17 different kinds of apples, being made in a factory just a stone’s throw from the racecourse at Annerville, there is a strong connection between the two companies and the locals showed their support by flocking through the turnstiles in their droves.

More than 800 barbecue tickets were sold in advance of the six race all-chase card, where Leaving Cert student Daniel King, from Kilbrin, just outside Mallow, took the riding honours with his first double, hours after completing his maths paper.

“It all worked out,” he said after taking the opening two races aboard Desert Friend for Cloughjordan trainer Denis Hogan and market leader Name Me Famous, from the Eoin McCarthy yard.

Desert Friend was getting off the mark over fences at the second attempt in the two mile beginners’ chase and his rider commented “He did it nicely in the end and jumped well everywhere. Hopefully there’s more improvement in him”.

In contrast, Name Me Famous’ jumping in the Bulmers Opportunity Handicap Chase left a lot to be desired, but trainer Eoin McCarthy wasn’t unduly concerned.

He reflected after the seven-year-old had accounted for the Edward O’Grady-trained top weight Top Line Tommy by three lengths, “For a horse that can jump well, he made a lot of mistakes, but whether it was down to the ground or the speed they were going, I’m not sure.

“He’s awful tough and genuine, though, and jumping was never an issue until today. He was very good in Limerick the last day so we’ll give him the benefit of the doubt. He’ll tip away for the summer and I’m delighted for his owner Denis Enright, who has two horses with me - they’ve both won three races each”.

Above: Enjoying the sunshine at the Clonmel Races Barbecue evening on Friday last were, from left: Aoife Doyle, Tirna Brown, Courtney Lonergan and Ava Fennessy. Picture: John D Kelly

Killenaule resident Declan Ryan, the regional sales manager for Bulmers in Munster, made the presentation to Mr Saxobeat’s owners, the Roberto Syndicate after the 13/8 chance kept up his handler Tom Gibney’s impressive fifty percent strike rate of six winners from his last 12 runners with success in the Bulmers Original Beginners Steeplechase.

The Meath trainer attributed his winning streak to having “the right horses in the right races and a lot of luck”.

Declan is the third generation of his family to have worked for Bulmers, saying “My dad Denis Ryan lives in Kilsheelan and he comes to every race meeting here. There was a brilliant atmosphere in the stand as the horses fought out the finish and we definitely wanted to be part of it.

“Bulmers has been in Clonmel since 1935 and we want to look after our roots and our heritage. It’s hugely important to us”.

Shane Fitzgerald rode out his claim when giving the well-backed 13/8 favourite Bal Kauto a confident drive in the colours of the Man About Dog Syndicate to land the concluding Clonmel Show Sunday July 2 Handicap Chase for Declan Queally, who trains in Cappagh between Dungarvan and Cappoquin.

A minute’s silence was held during the evening in memory of Seamus Kirwan, Rathgormack, a long-standing member of Clonmel Racecourse Supporters Club who always had the best interests of the racecourse at heart and for Johnny Walsh from Mainstown, Carrick-on-Suir, who was well-known in point-to-point and racing circles and seldom missed a meeting at Powerstown Park.

Meanwhile, up in the Club Stand, a lot of people were enjoying their day out. Staff from Bulmers were occupying several tables, while 140 people from Tipperary County Council were also entering into the spirit.

Carol Creighton, District Administrator, Clonmel Borough, explained “Our social club committee organises different activities during the year and this is one of our favourite ones – it’s a fantastic night out and a great way to bring people together”.

Another group of staff from Lane O’Connor Accountants in Clonmel, headed by Fermoy man John O’Connor, who was formerly in charge of Clonmel Chilling, which subsequently became Fair Oak Foods, were also enjoying the atmosphere.

John’s business partner Marie Lane commented “You can’t beat a day’s racing for a great day out and the barbecue package is great value”.

Her comments were echoed by Gerry McGrath from Carrick-on-Suir and Jacqui Burton from Piltown, members of the Anthony’s Inn contingent who took two tables.

She said “Margaret Falvey, a member of the bar staff, is very passionate about her customers and she organises this day out. "She makes sure we’re all fed and watered and organises the bus”.