Kilbeggan looks forward to its summer feature The AXA Farm Insurance Midlands National goes to post at Kilbeggan on Friday July 14th. The race which was promoted to graded status in 2022, is run over three miles and one furlong and is the flagship race at the Co Westmeath racecourse. Hurricane Georgie, trained by Gordon Elliott and ridden by Jack Kennedy, took the honours in last year's renewal. Christy Doherty, AXA Head of Agriculture, said: “Horse Racing in Ireland is steeped in history and success, with Irish horses and jockeys rated among the very best in the world. "AXA shares these values of tradition and performance and is proud to be a supporter of the forthcoming mid-summer race meet in Kilbeggan.” Paddy Dunican, Managing Director of Kilbeggan Races, said: “Our AXA Farm Insurance Midlands National is the highlight of our racing year. The massive prize fund of €100,000, makes it one of the most valuable and prestigious steeplechase races of the summer racing season, attracting high quality horses and creating very competitive and exciting racing. "AXA are one of the top insurance groups in the world and number one insurance company in Ireland and we are delighted to be working with them.” Jason Morris, Horse Racing Ireland’s Director of Racing and Strategic Projects, said: "The AXA Farm Insurance Midlands National race has now become firmly established as one of the highlights of the summer National Hunt programme, always attracting a high quality and very competitive field. "Horse Racing Ireland is very appreciative of the continuing support of the sponsors AXA Farm Insurance, which enables HRI to offer prize money of €100,000 for Kilbeggan's feature event of its racing calendar." Kilbeggan will also host the Bellamianta sustainable style ladies competition with a prize worth €5,000 including €1,000 cash.
