THANKS to a radical change of, format at last year's Laytown meeting, which was so necessary following the death of three, horses in the first event two years ago as well as injuries to jockeys, the meeting was a success.
Last year's safety plans will be repeated for this evening Guinness sponsored meeting . All races will be run on a straight course. The number of runners in each race will not exceed 10, with no reserves.
Only experienced jockeys will be allowed to ride and the horses will not be allowed to wear blinkers. As was the case last year, all ancillary facilities will be directed to the official free car park behind the enclosure. Thus, any risk to horses, jockeys and spectators should again be eliminated.
Laytown beach racing, which has been in operation for 128 years, is unique and invariably attracts a go9d crowd of holiday makers. This evening's card is moderate but some of the bigger stables are represented including Dermot Weld who runs Rockny in the Arthur Guinness Maiden and Galloping Guns in the Coca Cola Handicap.
Rockny finished half way back in a Curragh handicap last time out and on his best form of last season would have a chance in this company. Cable Beach, a speedy chaser is an interesting runner.
Galloping Guns has been disappointing and may not cope with the Kevin Prendergast trained Blues Composer who ran stable companion Dahlia's Best to a short head at Tipperary last June.
Prendergast's Lingering Melody will be supported in the Laytown Handicap but preference is for the speedy Sand Or Stone who will be the better for his recent run at Navan. Regal Domain may initiate a Prendergast trained double in the St James's Gate QR Handicap.
Royal Albert, runner up to Storm Damage in a 14 furlong, maiden at Tipperary last month and subsequently successful in a handicap hurdle at Punchestown, should win the Roscrea Maiden at Clonmel this evening.
Recent winners Beau Cyrano and Gold Wind have their chances in the Carrick Handicap but Jim Bolger may have the answer in River Run. Edward O'Grady may take the Avonmore Foods Handicap Hurdle with his, Listowel winner Flip Your Lid and The Bould Vic is nominated for the Templemore Maiden Hurdle.
. Racing was yesterday warned to be on its guard against the potential threat from extreme animal rights activists. In the newly published pamphlet "Equestrian Sports the threat of disruption" the British Field Sports Society highlight possible dangers posed to racing under rules and point to pointing. BFSS spokesman, Rupert Mostyn, explained "This is an information tool to get into the public domain the intentions of animal rights extremists."
