"We thought we would get a good entry, but over 120 was beyond our target" said Caroline Collins of the Red John Memorial Committee when the final entry lists for The Red John Memorial Pace , The Maven Trotters Derby and The Oakwood Stud Three Year old grass pacing championships were published this week.
"Since Bill Donovan one of the leading owners on the USA harness racing scene came to us with a major sponsorship deal early in the year we have worked hard to make this happen"added Collins.
"At first people we a bit sceptical about the format of the three classics which sees a nomination fee plus two sustaining payments but with support from the ITHRF and the IHRA, but owners have grasped with the idea and we look forward to a weekend of top class racing at a new grass venue in Lyre Clonakilty. "
" To be fair, Ger Hegarty, who owns the venue, is a horse owner and he is making improvements to the field. People must understand that unlike Portmarnock we are starting with a green field and must turn this into a harness racing amphitheatre .There is a natural grandstand in the field which provides a panoramic view of the beautiful local country side"
"The IHRA have looked after the clerical side of things which have given us more time to plan the day to day organising of the weekend. Booking of hotels in the area has been brisk but with the help of Clonakilty Chamber of Commerce we have a full list of all types of accomadation to ensure those travelling will be able to taste the local hospitality" said Collins.
The next sustaining payment comes on June 20th.
by Tim Kelleher, for Harnesslink