Unquestionably, the centre-piece of the competitive eight-race programme is the valuable Ladbrokes Munster National, which for the second year is supported by bookmaking giants Ladbrokes, who operate the on-course betting shop in the bottom floor of the Hugh McMahon Memorial Stand.  Limited availability in the Panoramic Restaurant is available at www.limerickraces.ie (061/320000).

Admission prices have been kept at €20, with the entry fee at €10 for those with concessions etc.

Greenmount Park has also announced it is to host a two-day National Hunt Meeting on Sunday, November 9th and Monday, November 10th, with racing action each afternoon timed for 2pm.

The initial leg doubles up as the usual fundraiser for Garryowen FC, including the running of the Garryowen Plate.  It’s also Family Day at the racecourse with a host of attractions, of which Bubbles the Clown is again likely to be a major draw for youngsters. Face painting and a bouncing castle are other draws for children.

After that, Limerick will not race again until its traditional four-day Guinness Christmas Racing festival that opens on St. Stephen’s Day.

Emmet McNamara initiated a treble for the really in-form Ger Lyons at the all-weather Dundalk Track.

Kinetic Quest was an impressive winner on board the 3/1jf in the Irish Stallion Farms 2YO Auction Maiden.  “Emmet’s 7lb claim was probably the winning of the race,” commented Lyons. “He’s a really good guy, a lad with a big future.  He deserves any success he gets.  This colt will appreciate further than seven furlongs.”
Lyons’ three-timer also included Dohasa and Fiery Lad, a possible stake performer next year.

McNamara, who finished his Leaving Certificate only last Summer, is attached to the Lyons Yard and is son of Eric McNamara, who is scheduled to saddle a few decent prospects at this week’s Rose of Tralee Festival at Kilbeggan Park.
Elsewhere, Andrew McNamara was soon to good effect when piloting Edward O’Grady’s Manorville (11/4jf) to a smooth win the www.tramoreracecourse.com Beginners Chase of €10,000.

A gentle reminder the final racing festival at Tralee’s Kilbeggan Park continues through until Sunday.

Today’s feature is the €52,000 Jimmy Barry Memorial Premier Handicap, while the competitive €45,000 Denny Gold Medal Handicap Chase is listed for tomorrow (Thursday).  On Friday, the €52,000 Kerryman Ruby Stakes is the highlight and the festival rounds off on Saturday with the €30,000 Fels Point Hotel Handicap Hurdle.

Former Miss World Rosanna Davison and celebrity chef Lee Bradshaw are guests of the festival organisers, with racing timed to start at 2.20pm for the rest of the week.

Also, Listowel’s Harvest Festival is only around the corner and County Limerick folk are already eagerly looking forward to their trip to Kerry around the time of the GAA All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Final early next month.

Ballingarry will host the next local round of the Horse & Pony Racing Fixtures on Sunday, September 14th – details are posted locally and the hard-working organising committee,headed-up by John Mulqueen, are looking for sponsors of perpetual cups.

It was on this circuit that the likes of local Billy Lee and the in-form and former apprentice jockeys’ champion Chris Hayes learned the ropes of the industry.

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