Ballinrobe Racecourse publish book to mark 100th anniversary

TO celebrate their 100th anniversary, Ballinrobe Racecourse has published A History in the Making - a beautiful collection of memoirs, photographs, historical facts and behind the scenes snippets from the Mayo racecourse.

Edited by local historian Averil Staunton, the book tells the story how the racecourse came to its current location, looks back over the major racecourse developments and remembers the many famous horses and jockeys who won at Ballinrobe Racecourse.

Since its foundation in 1921, Ballinrobe Racecourse has developed into the racing gem of the west of Ireland. A History in the Making celebrates the racecourse’s major milestone with beautiful photographs spanning 100 years and personal racing memoirs and anecdotes from a host of personalities from the racing industry and racegoers such as trainers Aidan O’Brien, Joanna Morgan, Michael Flannery; Guy Williams, racing historian and publisher; Pat Healy, racing photographer, Jonathan Mullin from Horse Racing Ireland, and various Ballinrobe committee members.

Averil Staunton said: “This publication is an acknowledgement of the work of past committees and supporters who worked diligently for the survival of the racecourse, without them it would not be the success it is today. I would like to thank my editorial team of John, Anne and Claire Flannelly and Sean O’Connell, and all those who contributed to the book in any way.

“I hope this book brings back some wonderful memories and introduces new supporters to Ballinrobe Racecourse.”

John Flannelly, Ballinrobe Racecourse manager, commented: “A History in the Making has been a labour of love for the racecourse committee and the team since we started the planning process in December 2019. Averil has put incredible work into the book which makes for a brilliant read and a great memento to celebrate Ballinrobe Racecourse’s milestone anniversary. I would like to sincerely thank everyone who contributed to the book and shared their wonderful Ballinrobe stories.”

A History in the Making costs €20 and is available to purchase at https://ballinroberacecourse.ie/ and from the following retailers: Martin Murphy Newsagents, Ballinrobe; The Bookshop, Westport; Castle Books, Castlebar; and Rare and Recent Books, Cong.