PAT HEALY: This week Pat reflects on his beloved Listowel Harvest Festival, previews the Arc and pays tribute to jockey Siobhan Rutledge.
Listowel Harvest Festival
We had a fantastic and memorable Listowel Harvest Festival last week and everything went fantastically well on track. We had a record 56 races over the seven days, and amazingly 55 of those races were won by different owners with JP [McManus] being the only one to win two races. Not only that but we also had 33 different trainers winning over the week. It really was a Festival for all, there was local success with the nearby trainer Eoin McCarthy picking up two wins along with Eric McNamara landing his customary Listowel winner, and Tom and Brian Cooper teaming up to land a victory.
As chairman, I just want to thank the hard-working committee and team behind the scenes at Listowel racecourse along with our loyal sponsors and customers for sticking with us.
Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe
We’ve all been waiting patiently for this race to come around and it’s sure not to disappoint this weekend. There are so many fascinating layers to the story, and it looks like the ground is going to be heavy, which will probably suit Tarnawa and Snowfall better than most. Chrono Genesis, Adayar, and Hurricane Lane are just some of the other horses that make this race so intriguing, but I of course will be hoping for an Irish success.
Siobhan Rutledge
I mentioned Siobhan last winter as a jockey to keep an eye on and on Wednesday night at Bellewstown she rode her 30th winner meaning she’s lost her 7lbs claim. She’s now down to a 5lbs claim and she is a fantastic personality who really can ride. I’d like to congratulate her on losing her claim while riding and competing in the best jockey colony in the world. I wish her further success as she continues to master her craft.
