LIMERICK punters’ love affair with the Listowel Harvest Racing Festival is set to continue as many of us will help swell the anticipated attendance beyond 100,000 over the seven-day event.
The meeting opens this Sunday (September 21) and continues through to the following Saturday.
This is the 167th edition of the Festival in North Kerry.
The obvious feature is the Guinness Kerry National of €200,000 next Wednesday.
Last year’s victor was former Cheltenham Stayer Hurdle winner Flooring Porter, trained by Gavin Cromwell and ridden by Keith Donoghue.
Previous Limerick trainers to have recently won the centrepiece include James Nash (Kilcornan, 2014 – Your Busy), Eric McNamara (Rathkeale, 2012 – Faltering Fullback), and Charles Byrnes (Ballingarry, 2010 – Alfa Beat).
Sunday is Family Day, while on the track the feature is the Kerry Dairy Ireland Handicap Steeplechase of €45,000.
Monday’s highlight is the John McGuire Handicap of €45,000.
Presenter, creator, Franc James founder, former Love Island contestant Frankie Foster will make an appearance on Tuesday.
Thursday will feature a competition for Best Dressed Man (the winner of which will receive a custom-made suit to the value of €1,200 courtesy of Ryle Menswear), while inside the rails the main event is the Listowel Races Supporters Club Lartigue Hurdle in memory of John Molyneaux of €60,000
Friday is McElligott’s Kia Ladies Day, with the winner to receive the Trip of a Lifetime to New York. Judging here is with broadcaster Louise Duffy and designer Shauna Courtney.
The day’s racing highlight is the William Hill Handicap Hurdle of €100,000.
Listwel closes with a fine card and its Sustainable Style Competiion.
Much of the Festival television coverage will be provided by TG4, while Racing TV will also be in situ Fealeside.