Tim Kelly Celebrates Home Victory as Ballinrobe Racing Season Nears Finale
Ballinrobe Racecourse delivered an exciting penultimate meeting of the season on Monday evening last, providing plenty of action on the track and culminating in a memorable victory for local businessman and committee member Timothy Kelly, who celebrated a special win on home turf.
Kelly’s mare, Nothing Hectic, claimed the Paddy Smyth Memorial Mares Maiden Hurdle in impressive fashion. The Hilary McLoughlin-trained favourite delivered a strong finish in the two mile six contest under jockey Darragh O’Keeffe, taking the lead turning for home and winning by three and a half lengths.
Speaking after the race, Timothy Kelly said: “Nothing Hectic ran a great race and I’m thrilled to see her win here at Ballinrobe, my local track and a place that’s very special to me. This was always the target, and it’s very special to see the plan come together. I’d like to thank Hilary, Martin, and Darragh for the fantastic ride – she jumped well, travelled strongly and did everything right on the day. To have a winner here at home is a very proud moment for me.”
Elsewhere on the card, Joseph O’Brien’s Shabooze continued an impressive run of form, claiming back-to-back victories at Ballinrobe with a comfortable win in the Hollymount Nursing Home Handicap Hurdle under jockey Ritchie Deegan.
Gordon Elliott’s yard completed a double on the card. King Of Kingsfield dominated the Boylesports Chase, tracking front-runner Runcok before the second last and going on to claim an impressive eight-length victory over The Dara Man. The Vadamos gelding, Grade 1-placed over hurdles, remains unbeaten in two of his three starts over fences. Elliott followed up with Blue Waters, who won the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Flat Race under jockey Harry Swan.
The final meeting of the 2025 season at Ballinrobe is set for Friday, 12th September, featuring an eight-race National Hunt card beginning at 3:55pm. The evening promises to be a fitting close to a memorable season, with group packages already filling fast. The Friday Finale package remains available. For more information, visit the link below.
