Mark Boylan
The Irish and British horse racing communities have been rocked in the recent weeks by the passing of prominent trainers Willie Codd and Richard Woollacott aged in their early 40s, and a group of equine enthusiasts from the University of Limerick are now raising funds for Limerick Suicide Watch at an upcoming Cheltenham Festival Preview Night.
The UL Horse Racing Society, whose aim is to develop interest levels in the sport amongst young people on campus, have organised an evening of expert Cheltenham advice at the Castletroy Park Hotel on Wednesday 28th February (7.30pm), with the proceeds distributed between funding the student activities of the society and the crucial mental health service in Limerick.
Co-Chairman of the UL Horse Racing Society, David Skelly said: “We are hugely looking forward to what promises to be a brilliant night in Castletroy, while also raising funds for initiatives we are very passionate about.”
There will be an opportunity for horse racing fans to rub shoulders with some of the leading figures of the sport including Noel Meade’s Grade 1-winning stable jockey Sean Flanagan, who looks set to ride one of the leading fancies in the Cheltenham Gold Cup in the shape of Michael O’Leary’s Road To Respect. An insight into potential star Irish performers of the Festival such as Douvan, Faugheen, Un De Sceaux, Min, Getabird and Footpad will be provided by former dual Cheltenham Festival-winning rider turned assistant trainer to Willie Mullins, David Casey.
One of the rising stars of the weighing room, Donagh Meyler will also be on the panel, fresh from tasting success in the €200,000 Paddy Power Steeplechase aboard JP McManus’ Anibale Fly at Leopardstown over Christmas. Leading racing expert Donn McClean, who assisted AP McCoy in writing his autobiography and regularly contributes to Racing UK TV, The Irish Field and Newstalk, will offer opinions certainly of interest to those aiming for a profitable Cheltenham, while Racing Post writer and UL Journalism and New Media student Mark Boylan will be the evening’s MC.
Paddy Power have offered their support for the evening, providing a free €5 bet for everyone in attendance, with admission costing €15 for adults and €10 for students. Pre-booking is advised and places can be secured by contacting David on 085 739 2391 or emailing ulhorseracingsoc@gmail.com. ENDS
Joe Drennan 
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Jack Hickey