MCHALE Raceday, Ballinrobe’s richest raceday, takes place this year on Monday, May 29th. It is now the tenth year of the hugely popular day with an all-jumps card, the first race going to post at 4.30pm.

Rásaí BEO, TG4’s highly-acclaimed racing programme, will broadcast live coverage from the track.

To mark the occasion, the graded McHale Mayo National Handicap Chase now has an increased prize fund of €80,000, and is Ballinrobe’s most valuable race in 2023. The McHale Mayo Hurdle of €30,000 and the McHale Tiger Roll Beginners Steeplechase are other very competitive races on the day. The Willie Mullins-trained Rock Road won last year’s feature race under jockey Kieran Callaghan.

Padraic McHale, managing director of the day’s sponsors, commented, “We are delighted to be teaming up again with our neighbours, Ballinrobe Racecourse, to sponsor another exciting day. The day has developed greatly over the years to become a major part of the racing calendar, with the McHale Mayo National being the feature race. Thanks to John and his team at Ballinrobe for all their efforts, and we look forward to a great evening of racing.”

Award-winning milliner and influencer Jennifer Wrynne is announced as the fashion judge at Ballinrobe’s meeting on Monday, June 26th, The Lodge at Ashford Castle Ladies Day. Jennifer has a wealth of experience when it comes to such competitions, attending and winning many of them.

VIP experience

Sponsored by The Lodge at Ashford Castle for the second year, the winner will walk away with a VIP experience at the venue, which comprises two nights bed and breakfast in a Lakeview Suite, with dinner on one evening in Wilde’s Restaurant, along with a €1,000 cash prize. Four runners-up will win dinner for two in Wilde’s Restaurant.

Peter Fergus, manager of The Lodge at Ashford Castle, said: “It is with great pleasure that we are, for the second year running, sponsoring Ladies Day. Ballinrobe is an excellent racecourse, we are so lucky to have it on our doorstep. Ladies Day be a hive of activity, colour and excitement. We look forward to presenting the lucky winner with a fantastic prize”.

Jennifer Wrynne added: “I’m so excited to judge Ladies Day this year. I’ve attended Ballinrobe Races over the years, entering the Ladies Day competition myself, so it’s lovely to be back and on the other side of things. The fashion is always fabulous in Ballinrobe, so I’ve no doubt this year will be amazing too.”

The first on the seven-race flat card goes to post at 5.15pm, and the card features the EBF Fillies Handicap of €20,000. There will be live music by Streetwise in the Mask Pavilion after racing.

John Flannelly, the manager at Ballinrobe, commented: “We are extremely grateful to McHale for their sponsorship over the last 10 years. The day has gone from strength to strength, and we could not have done this without their support.

“We are also delighted to welcome The Lodge at Ashford Castle team back to Ballinrobe again this year. We are very proud of our partnership and would like to thank them for their continuing support. We are looking forward to welcoming Jennifer Wrynne, and I have no doubt the fashion stakes will be high on the day”.

The Association of Irish Racecourses (AIR) would like to wish John and all the team at Ballinrobe the very best for their upcoming racedays. Visit ballinroberacecourse.ie to avail of the best ticket offers and group packages on the day. It looks like being a great summer of racing in the west of Ireland.