MayFest at Killarney Racecourse took place on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, kicking off the season at the popular track in great style.

Chairman of Killarney Racecourse Billy O'Sullivan meeting some of the Rose of Tralee Kerry Rose Entrants 2024 Emma Browne Lorraine Lawlor Debra Carty at The Killarney Races May Festival on Sunday afternoon in Killarney. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan/

First Flutter...Lauren Kiely left Aoife Scanlon and Fiadh Driver at The Killarney Races May Festival on Sunday afternoon in Killarney. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

Hoping for a flutter...Mike and Mary Fuller at The Killarney Races May Festival on Sunday afternoon in Killarney. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan/

Sunday was a well-attended all national hunt eight race card. The feature race, the Tote Killarney National was won in good style by Brideswell Lad for trainer Seamus Neville and in-form jockey JJ Slevin. Neville commented “That was lovely and staying is his game. He travelled well throughout, J.J. was very pleased with him and gave him a brilliant ride. That was nice to get at the start of the new season but it might be the end for him for a while, he has been on the go a while so might get a break and the Kerry National would be in mind.”

The opening day of the festival also included a special visit from a delegation from the Kerry Rose Centre adding some colour and glamour to the day.

Monday was an evening meeting, all jump racing again featuring the Boylespots An Riocht Steeplechase which was won impressively by the Gordon Elliott trained Ash Tree Meadow with Sam Ewing on board. The pair enjoyed a double on the card which provided Ewing with his first winner at Killarney Races. In his post-race interview, Ewing commented “It took me four years to ride a winner here and now I've ridden two today!”

Tuesday closed MayFest in fine style with an all-flat card providing some exciting close finishes to get the crowd excited. Trainer Ross O’Sullivan teamed up with Shane Foley to enjoy a double on the card with See Me Through and Slurricane making the trip down from Kildare to the Kingdom a most worthwhile journey.

Chairman of Killarney Races, Billy O’Sullivan said: “What a start to the season here at Killarney Races, a great few days were enjoyed by all. There was a real sense of community, lots of families enjoying the facilities and top-class racing, it was superb. On Sunday, three of the races held here at Killarney were broadcast live on TG4, free to view providing wonderful exposure for our track, our sponsors and our beautiful county. Now, it’s a case of onwards and upwards for our July Festival!”

With three more festivals to look forward to in July, August and October if you haven’t been it is well worth checking out, visit Killarneyraces.ie where you can book tickets, hospitality, group packages, club membership and more.