IN THE region of 100,000 punters are anticipated to turn out at Listowel’s Annual Harvest Racing Festival, which runs from Sunday next through to the following Saturday.
Celebrating 166 years of quality racing at the scenic course, this year the Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of the festival are all National Hunt meetings, while Monday and Tuesday both feature an all-flat race card.
The opening day’s feature race is the Kerry Group Handicap Steeplechase of €45,000. Free entertainment will be on offer as part of Family Day. The Most Sylish Racegoer will also be selected.
The highlight on Monday is the The John F McGuire Handicap of €45,000. It also sees the return of a competition celebrating one of fashion’s most iconic wardrobe essentials – denim blue jeans
Tuesday’s feature race is the Edmond and Josie Whelan Memorial Listowel Stakes €40,000.
The week’s racing highlight – The Guinness Kerry National Handicap Steeplechase €200,000 (Grade 3) – is on Wednesday and always attracts a huge crowd. Ballysteen native Patrick Neville, who now trains in England, has revealed he is aiming former Cheltenham Festival winner The Real Whacker at the National – owned by Rathkeale hotelier Dave Mann.
On Thursday, main race is The Liam Healy Memorial Lartigue Hurdle (Handicap) Listed Race of €60,000. Also on the agenda is the Best Dressed Man’s Competition.
On Friday – Ladies Day – the feature race is The MCG Handicap Hurdle of €100,000.
The Charlie Chute Memorial Handicap Steeplechase of €50,000 is the feature race on the last day. It’s also Sustainable Style Saturday.
