Frankie Dettori winning aboard Trueba© Photo Healy Racing
Bellewstown Racecourse’s vision to raise money for Barney Curley’s Direct Aid for Africa charity has seen a sum of €104,000 raised.
On Thursday September 30th, Bellewstown Racecourse hosted a special race in memory of Barney Curley, featuring the Gannons City Recovery And Recycling Services Ltd Supporting DAFA Handicap, which was won in dramatic style by legendary jockey Frankie Dettori on Trueba for his good friend Johnny Murtagh.
Funds were also raised by auctioning one of Barney Curley’s trademark hats and a lucky dip raffle for a host of spot prizes.
Barney Curley was closely associated with the County Meath track after pulling off one of racing’s greatest betting coups at Bellewstown in June 1975 when Yellow Sam won at 20-1. He set up Direct Aid for Africa (DAFA) in 1996 to support the underprivileged people of Zambia.
Alan Delany, Bellewstown Committee member and fundraising co-ordinator, said: “Bellewstown Racecourse were delighted to play a part in raising €104,000 at the Barney Curley’s DAFA charity race day last September. We received unbelievable support and generosity from all our sponsors and racegoers, and it was great to witness such a buzz around the enclosures. Everyone had a wonderful day for a wonderful charity, and we are already working on plans to bring Frankie and the guys back next year to continue supporting Barney Curley’s great charity.”
Catherine Curley, Barney’s daughter, commented: “On behalf of our Chairman Andrew Montague, our Secretary Vincent Maguire and the entire Direct Aid for Africa family, we would like to express our gratitude to Bellewstown Racecourse for the brilliant day last September, all in memory of my dad, Barney. The generosity shown was remarkable and €104,000 will make a real difference to DAFA’s key projects. The participation of Frankie Dettori and his fellow jockeys Shane Kelly, Jamie Spencer, Tom Queally along with all the Irish-based riders and trainers will live long in the memory. Direct Aid for Africa are really excited that Bellewstown are already planning another special event for DAFA next year.”
