Limerick had a standout week at the Listowel Races last week, with local trainers, jockeys, and horses making an impressive mark. The success started early with Gillian Scott training Relevant Range to cause a 50/1 upset in the one-mile handicap on Monday. Ridden by Darragh O’Sullivan and owned by the Irrelevant Syndicate, the gelding crossed the line with a solid one-and-three-quarter-length lead, giving the week an early boost for Limerick.

Billy Lee, a familiar face in Irish racing, had a particularly strong showing. On Monday at Fairyhouse, he guided the Chris Timmons-trained Una Matata to victory in the seven-furlong fillies maiden at 18/1, winning by half-a-length for owner Joanne Lavery. Lee followed this up with a second win, riding Rebel Diamond for Natalia Lupini. The Nigel O’Hare-owned colt secured a win in the six-furlong stakes by three-quarters-of-a-length, continuing Lee’s form.

The week continued to deliver, with Lee securing another win at Listowel on Tuesday. Riding Global Energy for Sheila Lavery, the John Lavery-owned 5/1 shot won the one-mile handicap, staying on well to win by three-quarters-of-a-length.

Rathkeale trainer Eric McNamara had an exceptional run throughout the week. On Wednesday, his Donkey Years, owned by JP McManus, claimed the three-mile handicap hurdle at 17/2. Ridden by Mark Walsh, the gelding crossed the finish line two-and-a-half lengths ahead of Coole Cherry.

McNamara followed this with another win on Thursday when Ifitwasme, ridden by Calum Hogan, secured victory in the two-mile handicap hurdle. Despite drifting to 10/1, the Cian Wilmot-owned horse powered home by 12 lengths. It was a significant win for Hogan, who was following in his father Ray’s footsteps—Ray had won the same race in 1996 on Tidjani. The younger Hogan marked his first winner over flights with this victory, creating a special moment for the Rathkeale rider.

McNamara’s success didn’t stop there. On Friday, he celebrated two more wins at Listowel. Frankendael, ridden by Daniel King and owned by the Forever Optimists Syndicate, took the featured two-mile Listed handicap hurdle at 9/1, staying on well to win by two-and-a-quarter lengths. Shortly after, Mount Ferns gave McNamara a quick double in the two-mile handicap hurdle. Sent off as the 3/1 favourite, the Kevin McNamee-owned gelding, ridden by Sean Flanagan, won by two-and-a-half lengths.

To cap it off, McNamara completed a treble when Cahirdown Boy led home a stable 1-2 in the two-mile-three-furlong handicap chase. Ridden by Sean Flanagan again, the well-backed 3/1 joint-favourite held on to win by half-a-length, sealing an exceptional week for the Rathkeale trainer.

Meanwhile, Billy Lee continued his winning streak at Dundalk on Friday, where he guided newcomer Holly Graces to a convincing win in the seven-furlong fillies maiden. Trained by Henry De Bromhead and owned by Envirogreen Housing Services Ltd, the filly won by one-and-a-half lengths at 9/2.

At Listowel on Saturday, Eoin McCarthy’s Kingdom Calling produced a major upset at 250/1 in the two-mile maiden hurdle. Ridden by Richie Deegan, the Killarney Racing Syndicate-owned gelding won by half-a-length, adding another highlight to the week for Limerick.

Limerick jockey Chris Hayes had his own success at the Curragh on Saturday, riding the Ralph Beckett-trained Bolo Neighs to an easy seven-length victory in the six-furlong sprint stakes. Later, at the same meeting, Billy Lee was back in the winners’ enclosure with Keke. Trained by Eddie Lynam, the Wood Hall Stud Limited-owned gelding took the five-furlong premier handicap with a commanding three-and-three-quarter-length lead at 3/1.

Rounding off the week, Emily Costello won the ten-furlong student derby on Narragansett at Dundalk. The Andrew Slattery-trained 20/1 shot stayed on strongly to win by three-quarters-of-a-length for owner John Hyde.

It was a week that showcased the skill, determination, and talent of Limerick’s racing community. From trainers to jockeys, each win reflected a shared sense of pride and accomplishment.

It was a strong week for Limerick’s racing community, with trainers and jockeys delivering impressive performances across the board. A string of wins, plenty of hard graft, and more than a few reasons to feel proud.

Cover photo by the one and only Patrick McCann from the Racing Post.