Ballintra Races return on Bank Holiday Monday after five year gap

The Ballintra Races, which had been a yearly highlight of the holiday season on the August Bank Holiday Monday, will return again on Monday next after a five year absence.

Like many events, the annual race meet at Murvagh was hit by Covid in 2020 and 2021. Further issues relating to insurance meant that there was no racing in 2022 or 2023 but those issues were resolved with the Irish Horse Racing Board and the Ballintra Races are back on track for 2024.

It is fitting also that the date for this year’s racing is exactly the same as the last meeting held at Murvagh - that was August 5th 2019.

There is a great history attached to horse racing in Ballintra with the event first held back in 1943 and it was believed to be the second largest flapper meeting in Ireland behind the famous Dingle Races.

The planning for this year’s event, according to secretary, Lisa McGrane, started back in April and there is a full committee elected each year. This year’s chairman is Adam McClay while Donal Gallagher is treasurer.

In all there are around 25-30 people involved behind the scenes and they  will all be needed this week with the final preparations taking place.

“We’re hoping that the weather will be kind as that is a big factor in the enjoyment. The graveyard Mass is normally held on the Bank Holiday Sunday in Ballintra and there are always a lot of people home on holidays around this time,” said the secretary.

“While the local Race Committee takes control of the planning and the logistics around the day, the Donegal Racing Board takes charge of the races, taking the entries. Their role is to officiate the racing on the day, look after the jockeys and the weigh-in,” said Ms McGrane.

As usual there will be plenty of bookmakers ready to take bets on the six races, which begin at 2.30.

There is prize money in total of around €5,000 to be won on the day. And apart from the actual races, there will be the usual stalls and entertainment for the kids. Naomh Brid GAA Club will have their stall providing teas and snacks.

The other big event on the day is the Best Dressed Lady which will be sponsored by Verve, Donegal Town, while McDaid’s Flowers, Ballyshannon are sponsoring the bouquets. Noel Cunningham will also be back to MC the event.

The race sponsors include Whoriskey’s, Cashelard. Lorraine Walls; Raymond and Carol Scott; The Salmon Inn (Martin Quinn) and Edel Quinn Properties; Tommy and Nora Gallagher; Edwin Pearson, Eamonn Doherty, Joe Doherty, Denis & Anne McMullin, Tom McElhinney.

The Race Card for Monday next