Wednesday 21st of August 2019
Angela Dooley talks about her visit to Dundalk Races.
On the 17th January 2019, I went with family and friends to Dundalk racecourse, Co Louth.
As this was my first visit to Ireland, and as new horse owners, we were looking forward to the whole weekend which included visiting the stables where our horses were kept and the beach where they trained and relaxed. This was all topped off by going to Dundalk racecourse on a Friday evening to watch our horse Kasbah, trained in Ireland by Ado McGuinness, and ridden by Rory Cleary run in the main race of the evening.
We flew early in the morning from Liverpool to Dublin and, after picking up our rental car, we went into Dublin City centre to tour the city, get something to eat and sample the Guinness.!
The Temple Bar situated in the city centre, a must-visit if your Dubin, a quirky pub very popular and with live music, was our destination. After a few drinks there to get us in the mood, we then went off to find our accommodation and change in readiness for the night ahead.
We had booked the Villa Sam in Malahide (about a 15 min drive from the airport). This was near the stables and about 40 mins to drive to Dundalk, but it was very easy to get to.
The house was beautiful and Peter and Gwen were super hosts, making us feel welcome as soon as we arrived at their stunning house which exceeded our expectations.
After a quick change, we were off to Dundalk for the races.
We arrived early at the racecourse and was very impressed with the venue and in particular the glass-fronted restaurant which had incredible views overlooking both the racecourse and greyhound track and of the Cooley mountains.
The restaurant facilities were brilliant and spotless and we managed to get a good table which overlooked the racecourse. The 4-course meal was excellent, the staff efficient and friendly and really looked after you.
It was a short walk to the parade ring to meet both the jockey and trainers followed by an even shorter walk to the grandstand to cheer on our horse Kasbah.
Unfortunately, Kasbah didn't win but it didn't dampen our enthusiasm or prevent us from enjoying our first visit to Ireland and our first time watching a horse we owned run in a race.
The next day our first stop was the stables to see Kasbah and our two other newly acquired horses, Saltonstall and SirJack Thomas at Ado McGuinness’ stables in Lusk and meet the Trainers and all the staff.
It was exciting to see the horses in their stables and in the paddock and watch them train but for me, it was great to go to the beach in Lusk and see Kasbah fit and healthy and enjoying himself in the sea after his race the night before
As a racehorse owner, the wellbeing of your horse is very important and the seawater is great for any aches and pains. All the horses looked thoroughly relaxed and enjoying themselves splashing around in the sea and on the beach.
This was a whole new experience for us all and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the evening and the whole fun-filled relaxed weekend.
Can’t wait to for the next visit to Ireland to watch our horses run truly an awesome experience.
Thank you Dundalk with definitely be back!