Night at the Races
2nd March 2025
Night at the Races Report – Erin's Own GAC Cargin, Saturday 1st March
On Saturday 1st March, Erin's Own GAC Cargin hosted an electrifying Night at the Races, drawing a lively crowd of racing enthusiasts and club supporters. The evening was a celebration of speed, skill, and community spirit, with nine thrilling races and generous sponsorship from local businesses.
Race 1 – The Hardhat Handicap
- Sponsor: Charles Brand
- Winning Jockey: Brendan Laverty on Moo-ver and Shaker
- Winning Owner: Dominic McCann
Brendan Laverty showcased his expertise as he guided Moo-ver and Shaker to victory in the Hardhat Handicap, setting a high standard for the night.
Race 2 – The Roof Raiser Rally
- Sponsor: Toal Contracts Ltd
- Winning Jockey: Callum Gribbin on Artlone Soldier
- Winning Owner: Jamie Gribbin
The Roof Raiser Rally lived up to its name as Callum Gribbin led Artlone Soldier to a stunning finish, underlining the competitive spirit among the riders. Coincidently his brother Jamie Gribbin was the winning owner.
Race 3 – The Elite Engineering Stakes
- Sponsor: McCorley Mechanical & Electrical Ltd
- Winning Jockey: Conal McCorley on Hoofin Head Honcho
- Winning Owner: Gerard McCorley
In the Elite Engineering Stakes, Conal McCorley demonstrated precision and determination on Hoofin Head Honcho, delivering a performance that resonated with both the crowd and the sponsor. This race was another family affair with cousin Gerard McCorley as the winning owner of Hoofin Head Honcho!
Race 4 – The Fuel and Feast Flyer
- Sponsor: Cathcart's Centra
- Winning Jockey: Conan Johnston on Sir-Prance-a-lot
- Winning Owner: Damien McGeady
Conan Johnston and Sir-Prance-a-lot impressed with a powerful, well-timed run in the Fuel and Feast Flyer, thrilling the audience and earning top honours for owner Damien McGeady.
Race 5 – The Prescription Derby
- Sponsor: Gribbin's Pharmacy
- Winning Jockey: Pat Shivers on Where's Pat?
- Winning Owner: Dermot McPeake
The Prescription Derby kept the night on a high note, with Pat Shivers securing a memorable win on Where's Pat?, showcasing the perfect blend of strategy and speed. Owner of Where's Pat - Dermot McPeake was delighted with the win!
Race 6 – The Roofer's Ridge Run
- Sponsor: R&P Roofing
- Winning Jockey: Una Cassidy on Pasture Bedtime
- Winning Owner: Marcella McAuley
Una Cassidy rode Pasture Bedtime to a superb victory in the Roofer’s Ridge Run, showcasing skill and determination. Congratulations to her mammy Marcella McAuley for owning the winning horse!
Race 7 – The Grocery Gallop
- Sponsor: Fullan’s Foodhall
- Winning Jockey: Diarmuid Shivers on Wired for Speed
- Winning Owner: Shaun McElhone
The Grocery Gallop delivered a thrilling sprint as Diarmuid Shivers, aboard Wired for Speed, powered ahead to the finish line. Winning owner Shaun McElhone’s entry proved to be the fastest on the track.
Race 8 – The Harvest Machinery Mile
- Sponsor: Farm and Plant Machinery
- Winning Jockey: Conor McAnenly on Dreamie Sweenie (in a photo finish with Donal McKeever on In Stable Condition)
- Winning Owner: Kim Graham
In a nail-biting conclusion to Race 8, Conor McAnenly, riding Dreamie Sweenie, clinched victory in a photo finish against Donal McKeever on In Stable Condition. Congratulations to owner Kim Graham for this well-earned win!
Auction Race - The Steel and Shingle Sweepstake
- Sponsor: Thornton’s Roofing
- Winning Jockey: Diarmuid Shivers
- Winning Owner: Katie McAnenly
The excitement continued into the auction race, the Steel and Shingle Sweepstake, where Diarmuid Shivers once again proved his mettle. Katie McAnenly’s entry emerged as the winner in this unique race format.
The Night at the Races was a spectacular success, bringing the community together for a night filled with friendly competition and fantastic entertainment. Congratulations to all the winning jockeys and owners, and a huge thank you to our generous sponsors who made the event possible.
With the excitement of this year’s event still fresh, we already look forward to next year’s races, where new champions will rise, and the fun will continue! 🏇💚
