Ballynolan Races

Ballynolan to-day is known only among the locals as a townsland adjoining the village of Leighlinbridge with access by way of the Old Leighlin Road. But might I quickly add that over 100 years ago, it was a household name among the racing fraternity of the neighbouring counties. A day at Ballynolan was 'a day at the races' as it became known; an event not to be missed in the racing calendar and which had a business stir comparable with the 'Fair Day' held four times yearly in the village of Leighlin-bridge; an event which enabled this townsland to take its place in the world of horse and pony racing.

That the Flat and Steeplechase races held over the Ballynolan course were an annual success was due mainly to the organising committee. Figuring prominently on that committee were Michael Foley of Old Leighlin and John Cummins of Coolnakisha, well known breeders, judges of the stock in question and participants at the Ballybar Races.

The fields were owned by Michael Foley, they were large and annexing road, of pleasant topography which facilitated perfect viewing from all positions and they also provided ample parking facilities for the transport of the day, a wooden stand provided comfortable viewing for all who could afford Is. 6d.

The event always attracted a large number of entries. The Great Southern Railway Co. assisted by offering reduced price tickets to Bagenalstown and gave free transportation home for the horses on the production of a certificate from the Secretary of the Course.

The meetings at the turn of the century were enhanced by the presence of the St. Lazerian's Fife and Drum Band which could be relied on to render lively tunes at the intervals between events. And like all great occasions, Ballynolan Races did not escape the pen of the rhymer.

The races of Ballynolan, we all came to see

The crowd numbered many, the admission was free

The boys from Rathellen, to-day will come down

With the gay foxy lassies, from sweet Bagenalstown

There were thimble men, tricks men and card men galore,

The likes of such rogues, sure we ne'er saw before

There are many verses.

Johnny Cummins, Coolnakisha shown mounted outside the building which stabled the celebrated horse 'Carlow'.

Johnny Cummins of Coolnakisha rode a horse by the name of Tinker, owned by Michael Foley of Old Leighlin in 1889 At Ballynolan. He was.a fearless horseman and was always among the winning jockeys at the famous Ballybar Races. The virility of Johnny who at the age of 73, rode "Mullewa" into fourth place of the County Stake at Gowran Park races in 1933, again proves the truth of the axiom 'as young as you feel'.

All fixtures were run under the rules of the Irish Racing Association.

The Committee reserved to themselves the power to alter or cancel any race; or to abandon the meeting in case of insufficient support, or to postpone the same in the case of bad weather, or to put back the first race 30 minutes.

Jockeys had to wear proper racing costume and colours, which had to be declared at time of entry, and any jockey appearing in colours except those declared was fined 10/-, which had to be paid at the scales' before starting.

Objections had to be lodged and decided 15 minutes before advertised time of starting, as none could be entertained after the winner had weighed in, except in the case of foul riding, or horse or pony not going the proper course.

All objections had to be put in writing and the objector had to deposit 10/- and hand same over to the Sec., which could be forfeited, if in the opinion of the Stewards, the objection proves frivolous.

The Judge's decision in all cases was final and there could be no appeal to a Court of Law under any circumstances, and those were the conditions only under which entries were received.

Ballynolan Races discontinued for some reason about 1904. However, it was not the end for racing in the Leighlingbridge area. A new 'turf was found. 1906 witnessed the start of horse and pony racing over the School Park course Jon the Rathellen Road, just outside the village.

Flat and Steeplechases

Ballynolan Course

Monday, 26th November, 1888

Stewards — P. Lyons, E. Hughes, E. Cullen, J. Shiel, E. Nolan, M. Butler, T. Dowling, M. Jeffers, J. Cummins, Dr. Phillips, Wm. Prandy, J. McDonald, P. B. Kehoe, John Kehoe, Thomas Fenlon, Samuel Ward, T. Tenant, T.B. Moore, M, Foley.

Judge — Arthur McClintock.

Starter — William Edge.

First Race

The Leighlip Plate, £4.19s. A Flat Race; one and a half miles; open to residents in the County Carlow. Weight for age — four years old, 11st.; five, 12st; six and aged, 12st. 4lbs.; winner of £20, 10lbs. extra; winner of £21 and over excluded. Horses entered to be sold for £100 allowed 7lb.;£50,14lb.; £25,21 Ib. Horses must be in owner's possession one month previous to races.

Second Race

The District Plate of £4. 19s., for Ponies fourteen hands and under; one a half miles steeplechase; 7 Ib. allowed for every inch under fourteen hands; ponies fourteen hands to carry 11 st.

Third Race

Stewards Plate £4. 19s.; two miles steeplechase; an open race; every horse to carry 11st; any horse trained in a public training stable 14lb. extra.

Fourth Race

Ballyknockan Plate of £4.19s.; two mile steeplechase; weight for age, with penalties and allowances.

Fifth Race

Old Leighlin Plate £4. 19s. Steeplechases for horses the property of the residents of County Carlow. Weight for age — winner of £20, 10lb. extra; winner of £21 or over, excluded. The winner to be sold for £75. Horses entered to be sold for £50 allowed 14lb.; for £25, 21lb.

Entries close finally on Thursday 22nd instant, with the Hon. Sees. Messrs. Foley and Cullen.

Entries for each event 5s.
Source: Carloviana 1989/90 No. 37 page 9 & 10

Leighlinbridge Races

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