Festive flutter helps lift the doom and gloom
Monday December 28 2009
RECESSION doom and gloom was pushed off the agenda yesterday as thousands of punters went to Leopardstown racecourse for a festive flutter.
The second day of the four-day Christmas racing festival was awash with celebrities and eager racegoers.
Numbers flocking to the festival were down by more than 1,400 -- with 14,605 attending this year.
Irish international show jumping star, Cian O'Connor, was enjoying the race meeting with girlfriend Ruth Maybin.
"It's fantastic. It is always a nice day," he said. "I'm a little bit away from the racing scene. But I will have a look at the horses in the parade and maybe have a small bet."
Budgets
Bookies had a hard time in the wake of tightening budgets yesterday. They were down €194,645 -- taking in €1,432,794.
But, despite the gloomy figures, bookie Paddy Power insisted the festival was going well.
"It seems a lot busier today than it was yesterday," he said. "People came in early and it was a really top day to race."
JP McManus was overjoyed at the fact that his horse, Sword Fish, won the opening race.
"I'm thrilled. It was a fortunate winner and they all count," he said.
Breffny Morgan, who starred in this year's television show 'The Apprentice', was focused on enjoying the atmosphere rather than the betting.
"I want to keep my money in my pocket until I'm sure of the ins and outs of betting," he said.
- Patricia McDonagh
Irish Independent
