Billy Harney remembered at his local track
A seven race card will go to post at 12.44pm, when racegoers can enjoy the inaugural running of the Billy Harney Memorial Race.
Speaking of the commemorative race, Kate said: “Billy was a trainer based in Templemore, outside Thurles, and he was a vet on the track for many years also. Sadly, Billy passed away in 2019 on the day of our Christmas meeting, so it is most fitting to have a race in his memory at this fixture, as he was a great friend of the family and our racecourse.”
Billy trained horses for the Molony family and together they celebrated some great winners over the years. One wellknown performer trained by Billy was Boreen Belle, the registered name of this race being run in her honour. The Harney family, Rachel, Linda, David and Paddy, have come together to sponsor the race to remember their father Billy, and also their mother Imelda who passed away in June 2021. They were a lovely couple and are both much missed by everyone at the racecourse and in the wider Thurles community.
Other valued sponsors on the day include Tom Egan, proprietor of the Horse and Jockey Hotel, and the Carey family who own Carey Glass in Nenagh. Just a short drive from the racecourse, the Horse and Jockey Hotel needs no introduction as it is a firm favourite of many of this paper’s readers, offering great food and accommodation options, so whether it’s dinner after racing, a coffee, cake and a browse in the Gift Horse to break your journey, or a longer stay where you can enjoy their spa and leisure facilities, the venue is certainly worth supporting.
The ‘Christmas meeting’ at Thurles always has a real party atmosphere, and the card also features the historic Molony Cup which has been in the family since 1957. Friends and family from near and far are sure to gather for one final runout before Christmas, and the last race goes to post at 15.44pm, followed by live music for racegoers to enjoy. A shuttle bus to and from the train station is also available, so why not consider travelling by train and taking all the stress out of driving?
Annual membership at Thurles Racecourse is keenly priced at €130, and a reduced €100 for OAPs. Membership includes admission and racecard for all 11 race meetings at the track and you can purchase it online.
The Association of Irish Racecourses would like to wish Kate, the greater Molony family and all the team at Thurles Racecourse the very best for their upcoming meeting. For tickets and more information visit thurlesraces.ie.
Awards
The Association of Irish Racecourses send their congratulations to all the winners who received a HRI Award on Monday evening at the Mansion House in Dublin. It was a wonderful evening and so great to be back in person at the prestigious event after a long absence. So many of the AIR members were present or represented at the glittering evening.
Christmas inspiration
Last week we featured lots of gift ideas from AIR member racecourses, so today we would just like to encourage you to support the worthy Irish Injured Jockeys if you can during this Christmas season. Cards and calendars to raise valuable funds will be on sale at racecourses each weekend between now and Christmas. For details of local stockists and how to purchase them online, visit irishinjuredjockeys.com
By Leo Powell
