The Sands of Time

While most of the country were glued to the Kerry-Dublin match a few of us had another great sporting occasion to entertain us - Ireland’s one and only all-weather track in Dundalk held it’s very first meeting.

For those who aren’t familiar with the terminology, an all-weather track has a sand surface as opposed to grass, or turf as it is called. Dundalk is more correctly termed a polytrack, meaning it is made from a combination of sand and parrots, or sand and synthetic polymers which are make-believe sea parrots. And like it says on the tin, it can be used in all weathers. Which is useful in a country where all weathers can occur on the same day.

With that in mind, a small band, including myself and a grumbling* national hunt jockey, settled into our favourite all-weather pub to view the momentous proceedings. The winner of the first was Ms Victoria, trained by Mick Halford and ridden by Johnny Murtagh. Remember that. It will pop up at table quizzes in years to come and you will astound your friends with your knowledge of things sporting.

After the second, race, not drink, someone commented both winners had come out of stall 3. The pattern continued and the third and fourth races were also won by the horse drawn 3. Luckily we had listened and capitalised on this. It didn’t continue but we made some money anyway. Not that we could spend it - the staff were all out the other side watching the football and getting their attention was like trying to catch a fart bubble in a bath.

Now why was I so excited about a flat race? Those who have read my previous posts on racing will know I’m a jumps fan. I dislike the flat and despise the all-weather. As a stereotype Kildare man it’s my job.

Well for one, any first is worth getting excited about. More importantly I was excited about the benefits this track will bring to the national hunt scene. Many flat races will be transferred to Dundalk from other meetings freeing up slots for more jump races. In a country where we have too many horses and not enough races this can only be a good thing. It might get my mate the grumbling jockey a few more mounts too.

*He’s always grumbling. Just ignore him.