The Listowel Festival drew to a close on Saturday, with betting and crowd figures both making good reading for the north Kerry track.
The Tote turnover for the six days was a new record of #1,582,995, which was over #20,000 more than the previous best in 1994. Over 86,000 racegoers came through the turnstiles over the week, with Wednesday's Kerry National day attracting an attendance of 25,316.
Paul Carberry was again in the limelight when partnering his third feature race winner of the week as April Allegro took the Edmond Whelan Memorial Handicap Hurdle in great style.
Carberry, who had previously landed the Lartigue and Smithwicks Beer Handicap Hurdles aboard Snob Wells and Blue, sent the Michael Hourigan-trained gelding to the front after two out, and he could afford to ease the five-year-old right down on the run-in to score by four lengths. 'The ground is the key to him as he really needs it fast', said the Patrickswell handler.
Provosky showed the benefit of a mid-season break when giving weight all round in the Carlsberg Handicap. Irene Oakes' charge headed Montpelier Street over a furlong out, and was driven out by Pat Shanahan for a three lengths victory. 'He came back as big as a bull after a six weeks break and, after running well twice in valuable handicaps, I fancied him today. He may run again at Fairyhouse on Friday', said Ms Oakes.
Tenshookmen gained a somewhat fortunate victory in the opening Kerry Petroleum Chase when left clear after the final fence fall of Native Performance, who had held a slight advantage at that point. Willie Codd's charge came home a distance clear of Outlook Good. The 5/4 favourite Sparkling Gold took a crashing fall after meeting the fifth last fence all wrong.
Wayne Lordan joined Tadhg O'Shea at the head of the apprentice title race when partnering his 22nd winner of the season aboard Florida Villas in the McElligott's Tralee Rover/Landrover Maiden. The Thomond O'Mara-trained colt just headed the front-running Cruiskeen Lawn in the final stride.
Homer Scott bridged a near four years winnerless gap when John James gained a deserved win in the bumper. The son of Bravefoot made virtually all under Philip Dempsey, and stayed on well under pressure in the straight to beat Native Park by three and a half lengths.
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