Wow ! If they could have packaged today, 16th September, and wrap in gold. The crowd at Laytown Races witnessed something special. They came from far and wide to enjoy the six card horse racing on the famous sands on the Meath coastline. At Meath Live, we met people from as far as Ohio and Washington DC in the USA, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Dublin, Louth and Meath. A bunch of friends from Killiney and Turin in Italy were in full voice as they backed the first winner on the card, Jered Maddox at 10/1 who obliged for them.
Laytown Races;Francesco Bongiorno, Michael Wilde, Jack Hartnett, Jacobo Luffino, Johnny Bell, and Paddy Healy, the pals from Dublin and Turin Italy enjoying the day at the races
They have travelled to Laytown a couple of times before and invited the Italian lads to witness racing on the beach of Laytown. The weather was the magnet and it created the feel good factor, with the crowds, all in good form, on a day sent from the heavens. Seldom has this writer witnessed an atmosphere like it. People were just out to enjoy themselves, friends, families and of course the seasoned punters looking to land a few bets.
Four friends Manuel Obukus, Rafael Mukunay, Anthony Ebaleau and Mike Mhurio give the thumbs up on a great day.
Over the six races you got the mix and excitement of horse racing. The card closed with the punters finally getting a well backed joint favourite landed as the Ger Lyons trained, Tough Talk, was a clear ten lengths winner from joint favourite, Wuar Shamar. Derek O’Connor went down to the start a good ten minutes before the rest of the runners. No one was to get near him in the end as he won by 10 lengths.
Meath men; John Lally,publican Adrian O’Halloran of Marchie Regans, David Fagan, Richie Walsh another publican of The Judge and Jury, Oliver Gilsenan and Mattie McCabe all in high spirits.
The first race Saw Jered Maddox winning by a short head from Not Forgotten as Luke McAteer did enough to hold on from Ronan Whelan both priced at 8/1 in the 6f . It was to another winner for Ado McGuinness.The north Dublin based trainer always capable of placing a horse to win on the sand. Cherry Pink was returned at 11/4 cruising to a 16 length win from Spirit of Eagles at 18/1 another 6f race.
Three pals out on the dunes enjoying the atmosphere Monica O’Hagan, Dunboyne and her friends Michelle Hughes, Tres Dowling both from Castleknock Dublin.
Ivasecret was the first of a two card double for Heffernan when the 7/4 romped home by six lengths. Seamus Heffernan guided Roman Harry at 12/1 to win by a 1/2 a length’ in the fourth race from the hot fav Jeaniemacaroney, who could never get on terms with the winner. He would go on to land the race on the day.
All the way from the USA, Jennifer Morrow, Washington DC with her mom Sherry Morrow Ohio on their first trip to Ireland were really impressed, always on their bucket list, were delighted. They are ardent race goers in the States.
The fifth race saw a big priced winner rock up, as the 22/1, Jungle Cove’s ridden by the rising star, Miss J Townsend. Trained by Mrs John Harrington,the grey gelding kept up the pace to hold off the attentions Harry’s Bar, ridden by P W Mullins and Punk Poet, partnered by J L Gleeson.
There was plenty to do, see and enjoy at Laytown Races as the party rolled on into the early evening. A full moon looked over the beaches and maybe a wink from the man in the moon to show us the beauty and power of nature.
Lead Pic; Mattie McCabe with his grand daughter Clodagh Heavey, sisters Rosaleen Fagan, and Pauline McCabe enjoying the day at Laytown Races.
