Towelled up
I am recently back from a trip to Ireland, where Listowel, in the south west ran races for seven days in a row, all on heavy going, from Sunday September 10 to Saturday September 16.
The carnival was an eye-opener.
Riven Light won the Listowel Stakes on the Wednesday en route to Caulfield, where he was injured in the running of the Ladbrokes Stakes.
The crowd on the Wednesday was 25,000, with 90,000 in total for the week. Despite showery, chilly weather, 40 bookmakers fielded.
The food was fantastic and each of the 10 or so bars had a dozen-plus staff.
Eight races were run each day, the first four on the flat and the last four over jumps - both steeplechasing and hurdling.
The main event for the week was the €175,000 ($A263,000) Kerry National Steeplechase over three miles (4800m), run on the Wednesday.
The meeting was superbly organised. If you ever find yourself in Ireland in September, do yourself a favour!
Geelong (Vic)