Birdcatcher meeting at Naas Racing returns to Naas on Sunday 17th October when the Co. Kildare track hosts a top class mixed card featuring the Derrinstown Stud European Breeders Fund Birdcatcher Nursery. The "Birdcatcher" is one of the oldest races in the Irish Racing calendar being first run after the Second World War, and the six furlongs event has been won by some star names in the past such as Abergwaun and Star Appeal. Top class National Hunt performers have also graced the Birdcatcher card in recent times with Grade 1 winning hurdlers Aran Concerto and Pandorama both having won the concluding bumper. A Thousand Stars won the Profile Systems sponsored handicap hurdle last year on his first start for Willie Mullins, before going on to score at the Cheltenham festival last March. The eight race card also hosts the Listed Garnet Stakes, and has a total prize fund of over €250,000. It should provide a fitting end to the Go Racing in Kildare Festival which runs from 10th to the 17th of October, and includes two meetings at the Curragh (Oct 10 & 11) and also two at Punchestown (Oct 13 & 14). All eyes will also be on the fashion with a €1,000 cash prize on offer for the most stylishly dressed lady on the day. Naas’s annual Ladies Day will be judged by TV3’s Expose presenter Karen Koster. A drinks reception sponsored by Jacobs Creek will take place by the parade ring before judging. Ten finalists will be chosen all receiving a beauty hamper from Mangans Pharmacy in Sallins, and the lucky winner will then also receive the cash prize of €1,000. The admission bundle including €5 free bet & €5 food/drink voucher is only €15, children under 18 & students are admitted FREE and OAP’s pay just €9.
