Sligo marks Derby heroes Sligo Racecourse manager Brian Kennedy made a presentation to Colm O’Donoghue, Seamie Heffernan and Joseph O’Brien at the track this evening to mark the jockeys’ achievement in filling the first three placings in the Irish Derby on Sunday. Kennedy mentioned “we presented the three lads with a sculptor, made by Rachel Quinn from Ballinacarrow, Co Sligo, which depicts Fionn Mac Cumhaill and warriors.” “We have known the lads for as many years as they are coming here and, while one might think of taking the week off, these lads are here today and coming to ride non-Derby types! We feel a presentation to mark their achievement is fitting.” Regarding Sligo racecourse, Kennedy, who has been manager since October 1993, added “we have spent €3m on the racecourse since 1997, improving the enclosure, grand stand and stabling facilities and, having successfully improved the drainage in recent years, the next stage is to widen the track.” “The straight will be widened by taking seven yards off the enclosure but the development won’t affect the grand stand and work will begin after the last meeting this year.” Kennedy, who is helped in the day-to-day running of the racecourse by his wife Agnes, is one of the longest serving racecourse managers and has also overseen the electrification of the betting ring and improvements to modernise the bars and restaurant. Thomas Weekes
