Listowel Racecourse won the Racecourse Award at the Irish Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards last week at the Keadeen Hotel in Newbridge, Co Kildare.
The winner of the ITIEA award is chosen by Irish Stable Staff Association evaluating each racecourse on criteria relating to facilities for stable staff with the aim of improving standards at all racecourses in Ireland.
The prize was €2,500 to spend on upgrading facilities to benefit stable employees. Paddy Madden and Maurice Carroll from the track were on hand to receive their award.
Doneraile trainer Brendan Walsh enjoyed a productive time at Listowel with two winners from three runners at the Bank Holiday fixture.
The second of those arrived via Knockbrack Rambler, a 12-1 chance, in the John B Keane Beginners’ Chase last Monday.
Jockey Philip Enright made most, if not all, of the running on the winner, owned and bred locally in Abbeyfeale by Vincent and Mary O’Connor.
Knockbrack Rambler was challenged after the final fence by 4-1 chance Tropical Image but he hung on for a half length success.
Walsh also sent out Le Fanu to win on the opening day of the Listowel meeting with Le Fanu at 11-1.
Trainer Michael O’Callaghan can look forward to a trip to Royal Ascot after Celeron made a striking impression on debut in the six-furlong maiden for two-year-olds at the Curragh last Wednesday.
The market didn’t predict this one as the winner returned at 18-1. The further he went under jockey Jamie Powell, the better Celeron got as he extended to a two-length margin at the line.
The Windsor Castle Stakes, up to six furlongs for the first time and restricted to horses by stallions that raced over slightly longer distances, is the race earmarked and that will be on Wednesday, June 17.
Trainer Danny O’Leary enjoyed the second winner of his career when Getaway Henry made off with the one of the two-mile handicap hurdles at Clonmel on Friday.
The 22-1 chance scored by over two lengths in the hands of Listowel jockey Gavin Brouder.
O’Leary is based near Charleville and his first winner arrived with the same horse two years ago.
“He is an older horse and he kind of has a mind of his own,” Brouder said of the nine-year-old.
“Early on he was travelling well and I knew down the back that anything that came to him was going to bring him forward. He hit the line well and pricked his ears. He enjoyed himself.”
Upcoming Fixtures
Sligo Tues June 9 (first race 5.20pm)
Limerick Weds Jun 10 (first race 4.43pm)
Leopardstown Thurs June 11 (first race 5.30pm)
Fairyhouse Fri June 12 (first race 5.02pm)
Gowran Fri June 12 (first race 4.50pm)
Downpatrick Sat June 13 (first race 2.00pm)
Cork Sun June 14 (first race 2.07pm)
Downpatrick Sun June 14 (first race 1.50pm)
