A star studded Cheltenham Preview Night & Dinner in conjunction with the Irish Injured Jockeys was launched with the support of many high profile personalities at the Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown on Sunday afternoon.
The much anticipated event hosted by the Meath Hunt takes place on March 9th in Kells hoping to raise vital funds for the Irish Injured Jockeys with a stellar line up giving their critical views of the race card before they depart across the water for the annual Olympics of racing. Indeed, such is the support for the event, that Sir AP Mc Coy will take the return trip home to lead the charge of opinion on the night alongside a top line panel of jockeys, trainers and critics alike.
Top-drawer guest speakers with AP McCoy include Ruby Walsh, David Casey, Gordon Elliot, Jane Mangan, Kevin O’Ryan and Robbie Power. All of the major Irish yards, who will send their hopes and dreams up that famous hill, will be represented on the night. This event is not to be missed by any racing enthusiast.
Being staged in the Headfort Arms Hotel in Kells ,Co. Meath, the title of the night pays tribute to the legacy of local Cheltenham legend Monskfield who took the spotlight in the golden era of hurdling in the second half of the 1970’s winning the Champion Hurdle in both 1978 and 1979 and the Aintree Hurdle three times including a dead heat with Night Nurse one of his greatest two rivals . His trainer Des Mc Donagh who’s wife Helen, a prolific horsewoman and pioneering female jockey sadly passed away in recent months said of the event ‘ I’m so pleased that this Cheltenham Preview Night in Kells has chosen to headline the night in the name of Monksfield whom we trained in our yard near Moynalty, it’s also for a great cause and should be supported’
The night which promises to be the hottest ticket on the Irish preview circuit, offers the opportunity for guests to host a table with racing personalities dotted amongst the room for that extra insight into what it takes to successfully spot a Cheltenham winner.
As we all know the sport is not just dependent on horses, but on the skill and bravery of the jockey. The Irish Injured Jockeys are there when they need us. Events such as these are essential to help provide the funds necessary to continue this vital resource that helps keep our sport going.
Michael Higgins from the Injured Jockeys quoted; ‘The Irish Injured Jockeys are delighted that the Meath Hunt have chosen us to benefit from their Cheltenham Preview Night which has such a stellar line up and promises to be informative as well as a great night out. We also really appreciate the support of those who attend and hope they will enjoy the company of some of the most successful people in our sport on the night before they depart for Cheltenham’
Guests will enjoy a drinks reception with a chance to meet and greet the stars of racing from 6.30pm followed by a delicious 3 course meal and the main event from 7pm. Auction items on the night include both experiences and items that, under normal circumstances, money could not buy!
Tables of 10 are available for €1000 and early booking is essential as numbers are limited and demand is already high. All updates and link to tickets are via the event Facebook and Instagram page ‘Monksfield Cheltenham Preview and Dinner’ Sponsorship enquiries can also contact organisers Brian Mullen on 086 2721629 Karl Smyth on 086 1751696
