Brilliant day’s racing in Mallow

Horse racing fans are fortunate to be able to still pursue their favourite pastime. Covid restrictions remain in place, however, they don’t impact severely on the Sport of Kings.

Kings, or indeed any form of royalty, were thin on the ground in Cork Racecourse, Mallow last Saturday for what was billed as ‘The Women’s Little Christmas Raceday’. Patrons were treated to 7 races, the first of which got underway at 12.30pm. This reporter arrived shortly after the first race and was warmly welcomed by an ever polite and efficient Keith Perry, who only requested that we spread the ‘Cork Racecourse, Mallow Gospel’.

NOT ALWAYS ABOUT THE BIG NAMES

Padraig Butler from Timoleague operates one of the smallest yards in the country, with just 3 horses in training. As of now, we don’t have the exact details on how he linked up with Araglin based jockey, Darragh Allen. Regardless, the north Cork/west Cork partnership is reaping dividends and not for the first time, the duo confounded pundits and bookies by landing the bumper (flat race) in Mallow last weekend. Darragh, who comes from a famous horsey family, was on board the impressively bred ‘Fons Vivus’, who was sired by Fame And Glory at Grange Stud, Fermoy. It was a pillar to post victory for the easy to back 6-year-old, who was returned at odds of 9/1.

This was a first ‘track’ win for the mare, who is jointly owned by Padraig and his brother, J.J. A look at the form book tells us that ‘Fons Vivus’ is also a sure footed jumper, who with a bit of luck could go on to bigger and better things. Not surprisingly, the Butlers have great time for Darragh, whose career is very much on the up at the moment. For those who care about such things, ‘Fons Vivus’ is a famous latin hymn, that translates into English as ‘Source Of Life’. RACING RETURNS TO MALLOW ON 24TH MARCH

A reminder to readers that racing returns to Cork Racecourse, Mallow on Thursday, 24th March for what is sure to be another action-packed card.