This article is from page 17 of the 2008-09-16 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 17 JPG
KILKEE Strand Races are not just a nod to local history, but an insight into the future of horse racing in Ire- land.
What started out as a duel over a woman almost 130 years ago is now the event where world-renowned jockeys learn the trade.
On Sunday next these traditional races will take place as usual across the Kilkee dunes from 2pm.
The eight races, four ponies and four horses, will begin at the upper side of the beach.
The race is part of the Kerry and Cork circuit and was particularly popular from the 1930s to the 1950s.
In later years the races have become the breaking ground for a number of top jockeys.
“Itis the perfect training ground for young lads to get some race ridding experience,’ said committee member Pat Russell.
Last year top apprentice flat jockey Danny Mullins won three races.
Charlie Swan, Tommy Carberry, Norman Wilson, Alan O Keeffe, Jack Doyle and Wayne Lardan are just some of the famous jockeys that started their career in Kilkee.
For spectators the sight of the hors- es racing through the sand is a rare experience.
“It is unique for spectatiors as it is a natural amphitheatre looking down from the strandline,’ said Mr Rus- sell
The course is also distinctive as it is
determined by the tide, which means the organising committee have no choice but to hold the event on All- Ireland Sunday.
“T rang the GAA but they wouldn’t move the match,” laughed Mr Rus- sell.
The people of west Clare will have their sights firmly on the local inter-
est, which will be the McGrath fam- ily from Kilkee, who have a number OM eurewe-lerbeee
The event also has an impact on the local economy with local businesses paying out for sponsorship and the bookies hoping not to be paying out too much on the strand that day.
With the long-term weather fore-
cast promising good weather, organ- isers are hoping to see up to 2,000 people at the races.
Presentation of prizes will take places in the Stella Marris Hotel.