Ballinrobe all set for McHale race day on Monday next

McHale Raceday, Ballinrobes’ richest race day of the year, takes place on Monday next, May 29. This is now the tenth year of the hugely popular raceday with an all-jumps card going to post at 4.30 pm.

To mark the occasion, the graded McHale Mayo National has now an increased prize fund of €80,000, making it Ballinrobe's most valuable race in 2023. The McHale Mayo Hurdle of €30,000 and the McHale Tiger Roll Beginners Steeplechase also take place on a very competitive looking card.

The Willie Mullins-trained Rock Road won last year’s feature race under jockey Kieran Callaghan and the champion trainer is very much looking forward to McHale Raceday again at Ballinrobe on Monday.

“We had a great day last year with Rock Road giving young jockey Kieran Callaghan his first big win over fences in the McHale Mayo National. We would like to wish McHale and Ballinrobe Racecourse well on the day,” said Willie, who hopes to run Fighter Allen in Monday's big event.

Padraic McHale, Managing Director of McHale commented: “We are delighted to be teaming up again with our neighbours, Ballinrobe Races, to sponsor another exciting days racing on Monday next. The McHale Race Day is now in its tenth year in a row and has developed greatly over the years to become a part of the racing calendar with the McHale Mayo National being the feature race. Thanks to John and his team for all their efforts and we look forward to a great evening.”

John Flannelly, Ballinrobe Racecourse Manager added: “We are extremely grateful to McHale for their sponsorship of McHale raceday over the last ten years. The day has gone from strength to strength and we could not have done so without their support. We look forward to a great evening of racing”.

It has also been announced that Rásaí BEO, TG4’s highly-acclaimed racing programme, will broadcast live coverage from Ballinrobe on the day.

TG4’s Head of Sport, Rónán Ó Coisdealbha, said: “TG4 are very grateful to Horse Racing Ireland for continuing to provide us the opportunity to broadcast top quality race meetings from around the country and we look forward to our extended Rásaí Beo coverage this year.”

McHale Raceday takes place on day one of the two-day May Festival. Tuesday, May 30, is also an all jumps card featuring the Monroe’s Live John Monroe Memorial Handicap Hurdle of €22,000.

MORE

Visit www.ballinroberacecourse.ie to avail of the best ticket offers on the day