Sunday, May 25, 2008

€100,000 to be won in the Fashion Stakes!
There’s a fortune to be won at Punches town with the Newbridge Silverware Four Day Best Dressed Lady Competition from April 22nd – April 25th. Hollywood Legends of “Dallas” fame, LINDA GRAY (Sue-Ellen) and LARRY HAGMAN (JR) will judge the final of the Newbridge Silverware Best Dressed Competition.

MOST GLAMOROUS COUPLE
On Saturday 26th April, ‘Ballymore’ sponsor the All New Ballymore Most Glamorous Couple Competition. Ballymore judges will scout the racecourse for the best dressed duo who will win an all expenses paid holiday to the magnificent and exquisite Sandy Lane Hotel in Barbados. Celebrity judges include some of Ireland’s own hottest couples, namely RTE’s Brian Ormond and model Pippa O Connor, former Miss World Rosanna Davison and Wes Quirke, TV3 Stylist Lisa Fitzpatrick and husband Paul to name but a few. Whilst the winners jet to Barbardos, the second prize includes a holiday in London and for third prize, €5,000 worth of Newbridge Silverware.

NEWBRIDGE SILVERWARE BEST DRESSED LADY
During the first three days of the festival, a Newbridge Silverware panel of judges will select a Best Dressed Lady Finalist, who, as well as receiving prizes worth €5,000, will go forward to the Grand Final on Ladies Day, Friday April 25th. Two finalists will be selected on Ladies Day bringing the total to five. The overall winner will receive a grand prize of €30k worth of Newbridge Silverware products.
Joining screen legends, Larry Hagman and Linda Gray will be fashionistas Celia Holman Lee and Annette Rocca, Andrea Roche and Glenda Gilson, Miss Ireland Blathnaid Mc Kenna and TV presenter Daithi O`Shea.
Get out the good guna, Girls and start accessorising!
-Rose


When did Punchestowns run at Punchestown will be a pub quiz question in years to come. Beacause this year, all going well, Nicky Henderson’s charge will line up for the 2 ½ Mile Hurdle sponsored by Land Rover. He is just one of many overseas entries with probably the most notable being Franchoek.
So on day by day basis Tuesdays entries show a heap of overseas entries particularly in the Kerrygold where Ruby would have to quarter himself to partner all his previous winners, but it will probably come down to Takeroc or Twist Magic if they go. In the Ellier it is anyone’s pick with the Mullins family having six entries, but don’t forget Ballycullen Boy. On Wednesdays Guinness one of my favourites Mr Top Notch will come up against Forget The Past and the disappointing Fairyhouse runner Royal County Star.
One of the most poignant races The Cathal Ryan Memorial on Thursday, named for the late pilot and racing aficionado, where Oliver Brady’s charge Maralan will attempt to put another trophy on Ms. Rita Shah’s cabinet. In the Ladbroke on the same day again Willie Mullins looks to have a full book of entries. Great racing on Friday as well, too many entries for everything don’t forget Punchestowns.
The four year old hurdle on Saturday sees Paul Nicholls Pierrot Luniare come up against a heap of locals including Paco Jack. Keep an eye out for Jayo if he gets in to the Ballymore 25th Anniversary on the last day also. A very interesting side contest will be the race for the NH Jockeys title between DN and Ruby. Davy three ahead as I write. It will be decided by the 26th of April.

TR

Ragusa

By Bill Evans


To all you noble sporting fans a story I will tell
About this Mullions family I am sure you all know well.
They own a stud at Ardenode and more across the sea
And won the Irish Derby here in 1963.

Paddy Prendergast the trainer and jockey was Bougoure
Who did their part to win this race as Mrs. Mullions told.
When they ran him up at Epsom, the horse he was not fit,
But down here at the Curragh, sure they knew that this was it.

It was the 29th June, a very misty day,
But over at the Curragh sure everyone was gay,
The stands and course were crowded, the best for many years
And with the horses on the sod up went those Derby cheers.

When the horses paraded to the start, there was a great delay.
Relko pulled a muscle is what the vet did say.
The jockey he dismounted and went down to the phone,
Michael O’Hehir said from the stands – “Relko is not going”.

The next time parading for the start, the first time they got off,
Up along that Derby course where the going it was soft.
It was Christmas Isle who took the lead and there he meant to stay,
Chased well by The Tiger who tried to make his play.

Down unto the hollow and up that little hill,
Where a horse was tried for fitness and a jockey for his skill,
When they came out on the straight out went Mhic Mo Chroi
Well watched by Jockey Garnet Bougoure, all the stand could see.

He kept his horse well outside where safe it was the going,
And put Ragusa to the front one furlong from home.
They all did try to chase him, especially Mhic Mo Chroi,
But Ragusa won the Derby in 1963.

(We are grateful to Mary Evans for letting us use this piece from Billy’s collection)

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