THE Association of Irish Racecourses (AIR) is delighted to highlight Bellewstown Races in this week’s column, and it’s fair to say that the Co Meath venue has plenty of good news to shout about when it comes to their meeting on Wednesday, September 27th.

The final meeting of the season at Bellewstown has become increasingly popular in recent years, and especially since the introduction of a very special Barney Curley remembrance theme; a charity cup race, and the DAFA fundraising aspect to the day. With the help of their good friends at the Irish National Professional Bookmakers Association, free entry has been secured for all patrons on the day.

In addition to no entrance fee, the race organisers have revealed that another highlight on the card will feature the one and only, legendary Italian jockey, Frankie Dettori. The rider has been a great advocate for Direct Aid For Africa (DAFA) over the years, a charity set up by Barney Curley in 1996 to support the underprivileged people of Zambia and fund a lot of ongoing educational and medical projects there.

Alan Delany, vice-chairman of Bellewstown and the event organiser, said: “Over the last two years we’ve had two very special race days at Bellewstown in memory of Barney Curley, and we are very keen to remember his association with the track and to continue his legacy, and the wonderful work of DAFA.

Free entry

“We are delighted and thankful to have Frankie returning to Bellewstown in this special year of his retirement, and given how supportive punters have been to the charity and this event in the past, it is fantastic that we can offer free entry to all, thanks to the Irish National Professional Bookmakers Association. There will be special events throughout the day that will allow people to meet up with Frankie and support the DAFA.”

Ray Mulvaney, chairman of the Irish National Professional Bookmakers Association, said: “It is fantastic to get the opportunity to support this great event at Bellewstown. Barney was a racing legend, and the work DAFA does in helping the poorest of the poor in Zambia is inspirational. As bookmakers, we are looking forward to a very special day with Frankie, and it is great that there will now be free entry for all on the day!”

Yellow Sam

As so many will recall, Barney Curley has a special association with Bellewstown, where he staged the renowned 1975 Yellow Sam coup. Occupying the racetrack’s single phone booth, he prevented the odds makers on site knowing what was going on off-course, where he was continuing to pile on bets on the 20/1 shot Yellow Sam. The gelding went on to win the race.

In honour of this unique association, and in fond remembrance of Barney Curley, this special day is now an annual calendar staple at the track. The event has seen the racecourse raise over €200,000 for Direct Aid for Africa over the last two years. There will be lots of special events and highlights throughout the day, and punters will have ample opportunity to meet up with Frankie and to support the DAFA charity.

For further information visit bellewstownraces.ie. The Association of Irish Racecourses wishes Kevin Coleman and all the team at Bellewstown the very best of luck with their race meeting and all their fundraising efforts for DAFA.