Roscommon races are known to have been staged in the very first year of the 19th century, although the earliest occasion results were included in the Racing Calendar was 1802 when a full five day meeting, which agreed to follow the ‘King’s Plate Articles’, began on Tuesday 21st September with a race, sponsored by Sir George Caufield, which was won by Colonel Lumm’s Maximin. Full details of that inaugural 5 day meeting are shown below. Meetings continued on a regular basis, notably in 1808 when the Roscommon Stewards requested that the Handicap be drawn up by the Irish Turf Club, which was unusual at that time because each meeting often constructed its own rudimentary handicapping system. The Stewards Sweepstake on Thursday 18th August 1808 was won by Mr Fleming’s Georgina carrying 7st 1lb, beating Mr Daly’s Maria carrying 6st 12lb. A famous steeplechase took place at Roscommon on St Patrick’s Day in 1813 when a 6 mile chase was held across Rathcroghan Plain. However, it was over 20 years before the inaugural meeting, organised by the British Military, was held on the present day course just a mile from the town centre at Lenebane. The racecourse, a right-handed course of 1 mile 2 furlongs with an incline up to the winning post, is a well-run, popular course, and what it occasionally lacks in quality it makes up for in quantity. Racing lapsed in 1936 and was not revived until May 1948. The only Grade 3 race is the Kilbegnet Novice Chase which was first run as a handicap in 1993, while the Listed Lenebane Stakes is run over 1 ½ miles in July, but was first run over 1 mile 2 furlongs in 2006 when won by Royal Intrigue. Currently the course hosts 9 fixtures annually.
Tuesday 21st September 1802
St George Caufield Stakes (50 guineas) over 1 mile
1. Maximin, bay filly owned by Colonel Lumm
2. Paddy Whack, grey colt owned by Mr Colgan
3. Unnamed bay filly by Lambinos owned by Mr J Kelly
Wednesday 22nd September 1802
Weight for Age £50 race over 2 miles
1. Sarpedon, bay colt owned by Colonel Lumm
2. Zenobia, chestnut filly owned by Mr St George Caufield
3. Sweet Robin, chestnut colt owned by Colonel A Daly
Thursday 23rd September 1802
Sweepstake (£50) over 3 miles
1. Serjeant, grey horse owned by Colonel A Daly
2. Chicken, chestnut horse owned by Mr St George Caufield
3. Peter, bay colt owned by Mr Dennis
Friday 24th September 1802
Weight for Age £50 race over 4 miles
1. Sarpendon, bay colt owned by Colonel Lumm
2. First Fruits, bay horse owned by Mr St George Caulfield
Saturday 25th September 1802
Consolation race for beaten horses (£50) over 1 mile
1. Sweet Robin, chestnut colt owned by Colonel A Daly
2. Chicken, chestnut horse owned by Mr St George Caulfield
3. Peter, bay colt owned by Mr Dennis
At the 2 day August meeting the local Roscommon Stewards asked the Irish Turf Club to construct the Handicaps for the races. Whilst this was unusual at the time, today it is universally accepted that there should be just one handicapping system operating in a country.
Wednesday 17th August 1808
Sweepstake, for horses which had not won a £50 race, over 3 miles
1. Partner, bay horse owned by Colonel A Daly
2. Selim, grey horse owned by Mr Smyth
3. Unnamed grey filly by Diamond, owned by Mr O’Kelly
Thursday 18th August 1808
Roscommon Sweepstake (£50) over 2 miles
1. Georgina, chestnut filly owned by Mr Fleming
2. Maria, bay filly owned by Mr Daly
3. Patrick, bay colt owned by Mr Hawkes
Fifty-Pounds 3 and 4 year old Stakes over 2 miles
1. St Clerans, bay colt owned by Colonel A Daly
2. Sikes, chestnut colt owned by Mr Caldwell
3. Maria, bay filly owned by Mr Daly
Friday 19th August 1808
Weight for Age (£50) Handicap over 2 ½ miles
1. St Clerans, bay colt owned by Colonel A Daly
2. Rosa, bay mare owned by Mr Fortescue
Saturday 20th August 1808
Sweepstake (£50) over 3 miles
1. Partner, bay horse owned by Colonel A Daly
2. Selim, grey horse owned by Mr Smyth
3. Rosa, bay mare owned by Mr Fortescue
It was more than 20 years later that racing took place on the course which is still used today. An interesting entry condition for the 3 mile Sweepstake on day 2 was that each horse had to carry a rider over a 4 foot high wall and 10 foot wide drain on the Saturday prior to the meeting.
Monday 10th July 1833
Roscommon Sweepstake (£20) over 2 miles sponsored by Fitzstephen French MP
1. Maiden 3 year old filly owned by Mr Kelly
2. Duplicate aged horse owned by Mr Nolan
3. Roscommon 6 year old owned by Mr Cruise
Roscommon £30 Sweepstake over 2 miles sponsored by the inhabitants of the town
1. Welcome 4 year old owned by Mr Blake
2. Piscara 6 year old owned by Mr Fitzstephen French
3. Nimrod owned by Mr Kilkelly
Tuesday 11th July 1833
Roscommon £20 Sweepstake over 3 miles sponsored by O’Connor Don MP
1. Lady Jane Grey owned by Mr Hazard
2. Lady Ross owned by Mr Harkin
3. Cricket owned by Mr French
Roscommon £20 Sweepstake, once round and the distance, sponsored by the Stewards
1. Pasta owned by Mr Byrne
2. Nimrod owned by Mr Kilkelly
3. Jenny Mills owned by Mr Fergusson
Wednesday 12th July 1833
Roscommon £20 Sweepstake over 2 miles, with three 4 foot high walls, sponsored by the Stewards
1. Barkston owned by Mr Fergusson
2. Lady Ross owned by Mr Harkin
3. Sportsman owned by Sir R Nagle
The Grade 3 Kilbegnet Novice Chase is contested in late September or early October over 2 miles and half a furlong. A list of previous winners is shown below:-
1993 The Kilbegnet Novice Handicap Chase over 2 miles and half a furlong was won by La Mode Lady (10/1) trained by Francis O’Brien and ridden by A J O’Brien, beating Frantesa (9/4) trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Trevor Horgan, with Charming Excuse (8/1) trained by C Kinane and ridden by C P Dunne in third
1994 The Kilbegnet Novice Chase over 2 miles and half a furlong was won by Sound Man (11/8 fav) trained by Eddie O’Grady and ridden by Charlie Swan, beating Shawiya (9/4) trained by Michael O’Brien and ridden by K F O’Brien, with Imperial Call (9/2) trained by Fergus Sutherland and ridden by G M O’Neill in third
1995 The Kilbegnet Novice Chase over 2 miles and half a furlong was won by Sea Gale (9/4) trained by Eddie O’Grady and ridden by Richard Dunwoody, beating Cable Beach (evens fav) trained by Michael Cunningham and ridden by Paul Carberry, with Pimberley Place (100/30) trained by Paddy Mullins and ridden by Tom Treacy in third
1996 The Kilbegnet Novice Chase over 2 miles and half a furlong was won by Dance Beat (4/9 fav) trained by Jessica Harrington and ridden by J Shortt, beating Banner Gale (10/1) trained by Francis Berry and ridden by Conor O’Dwyer, with Stroll Home (4/1) trained by James Joseph Mangan and ridden by Mr E Gallagher in third
1997 The Kilbegnet Novice Chase over 2 miles and half a furlong was not contested as the meeting was abandoned
1998 The Kilbegnet Novice Chase over 2 miles and half a furlong was won by Nuzum Road Makers (10/1) trained by Michael Cunningham and ridden by Norman Williamson, beating Cockney Lad (4/5 fav) trained by Noel Meade and ridden by Paul Carberry, with Spirit Dancer (8/1) trained by Ger Lyons and ridden by J R Barry in third
1999 The Kilbegnet Novice Chase over 2 miles and half a furlong was not contested
2000 The Kilbegnet Novice Chase over 2 miles and half a furlong, held at Punchestown, was won by Bushman’s River (2/1) trained by Ted Walsh and ridden by Ruby Walsh, beating Mohera King (7/1) trained by James Joseph Mangan and ridden by P M Verling, with Sunshine Cabs (100/1) trained by Norman Cassidy and ridden by R P McNally in third
2001 The Kilbegnet Novice Chase over 2 miles and half a furlong was won by Masalarian (4/5 fav) trained by Arthur Moore and ridden by Conor O’Dwyer, beating Dark Magic (12/1) trained by P Fennelly and ridden by David Casey, with Why Bother (6/1) trained by S Ryan and ridden by Jason Titley in third
2002 The Kilbegnet Novice Chase over 2 miles and half a furlong, held at Limerick, was won by Fiery Ring (12/1) trained by John Fowler and ridden by Ross Geraghty, beating Ansar (9/10 fav) trained by Dermot Weld and ridden by Barry Geraghty, with Snob Wells (7/1) trained by Noel Meade and ridden by Paul Carberry in third
2003 The Kilbegnet Novice Chase over 2 miles and half a furlong was won by Splendour (12/1) trained by S Cox and ridden by Barry Geraghty, beating Golden Row (4/5 fav) trained by Eddie O’Grady and ridden by Norman Williamson, with Say Again (100/30) trained by Paul Nolan and ridden by J L Cullen in third
2004 The Kilbegnet Novice Chase over 2 miles and half a furlong was won by Always (100/30) trained by Noel Meade and ridden by Paul Carberry, beating Old Flame (4/1) trained by Charlie Swan and ridden by Ruby Walsh, with Doodle Again (25/1) trained by Jim Dreaper and ridden by R C Colgan in third
2005 The Kilbegnet Novice Chase over 2 miles and half a furlong was won by Master of the Chase (3/1) trained by Charlie Swan and ridden by David Casey, beating Kahuna (15/8 fav) trained by E Sheehy and ridden by J R Barry, with Cash & Carry (9/1) trained by Eddie O’Grady and ridden by Paddy Flood in third
2006 The Kilbegnet Novice Chase over 2 miles and half a furlong was won by Ballyagran (5/4 fav) trained by Noel Meade and ridden by Paul Carberry, beating Some Timbering (13/8) trained by E Sheehy and ridden by Ruby Walsh, with Rose N Alice (12/1) trained by D P Berry and ridden by Andrew Lynch in third
2007 The Kilbegnet Novice Chase over 2 miles and half a furlong was won by Conna Castle (11/8 fav) trained by James Joseph Mangan and ridden by Davy Russell, beating Corrieann (7/1) trained by P M Doyle and ridden by Mr J J Doyle, with Jubilant Note (5/1) trained by M D Murphy and ridden by Denis O’Regan in third
2008 The Kilbegnet Novice Chase over 2 miles and half a furlong was won by Kalderon (9/4 fav) trained by Tom Hogan and ridden by Paul Carberry, beating Holly Tree (3/1) trained by E Sheehy and ridden by Ruby Walsh, with Changing Course (12/1) trained by Henry De Bromhead and ridden by Davy Russell in third
2009 The Kilbegnet Novice Chase over 2 miles and half a furlong was won by Emmpat (5/2) trained by Charlie Swan and ridden by David Casey, beating Fisher Bridge (11/8 fav) trained by Noel Meade and ridden by Paul Carberry, with Saddler’s Native (20/1) trained by P O Brady and ridden by M W Bowes in third
2010 The Kilbegnet Novice Chase over 2 miles and half a furlong was won by Save My Blushes (7/1) trained by Paul W Flynn and ridden by Paul Carberry, beating Echo Bob (7/1) trained by Henry De Bromhead and ridden by Andrew Lynch, with Beau Michael (5/1) trained by A McGuinness and ridden by Barry Geraghty in third
2011 The Kilbegnet Novice Chase over 2 miles and half a furlong was won by St Devote (8/1) trained by Eoin Griffin and ridden by Barry Geraghty, beating Nakajima Nate (14/1) trained by Miss S J Harty and ridden by M Darcy, with De Valira (15/8 fav) trained by J Morrissey and ridden by Paul Townend in third
2012 The Kilbegnet Novice Chase over 2 miles and half a furlong was won by Baily Green (2/1) trained by Mouse Morris and ridden by David Casey, beating House Rules (7/2) trained by Henry De Bromhead and ridden by Davy Russell, with Imperial Shabra (16/1) trained by P O Brady and ridden by S G McDermott in third
2013 The Kilbegnet Novice Chase over 2 miles and half a furlong was won by Darwins Fox (9/4 jt fav) trained by Henry De Bromhead and ridden by Andrew Lynch, beating Cootamundra (8/1) trained by J A Berry and ridden by R M Moran, with Ballyfinboy (20/1) trained by J R Finn and ridden by E J O’Connell in third
2014 The Kilbegnet Novice Chase over 2 miles and half a furlong was won by Ted Veale (evens fav) trained by Tony Martin and ridden by Barry Geraghty, beating Un Beau Roman (5/2) trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Paul Townend, with The Black Russian (11/2) trained by F M Hanley and ridden by Andrew Lynch in third
2015 The Kilbegnet Novice Chase over 2 miles and half a furlong was won by The Game Changer (11/10) trained by Gordon Elliott and ridden by Bryan Cooper, beating Sizing Platinum (10/11 fav) trained by Henry De Bromhead and ridden by J J Burke, with King of the Picts (12/1) trained by J P Shanahan and ridden by Adrian Heskin in third
2016 The Kilbegnet Novice Chase over 2 miles and half a furlong, held at Gowran Park, was won by Ridestan (9/2) trained by Henry De Bromhead and ridden by David Mullins, beating Neverushacon (8/1) trained by Jessica Harrington and ridden by Paul Townend, with Baily Cloud (14/1) trained by Mouse Morris and ridden by M A Enright in third
2017 The Kilbegnet Novice Chase over 2 miles and half a furlong was won by Landofhopeandglory (2/1 fav) trained by Joseph O’Brien and ridden by Mark Walsh, beating Rock On Fruity (9/1) trained by C Byrnes and ridden by Barry Geraghty, with Inis Meain (33/1) trained by Denis Hogan and ridden by D G Hogan in third
2018 The Kilbegnet Novice Chase over 2 miles and half a furlong was won by Ornua (3/1) trained by Henry De Bromhead and ridden by Dylan Robinson, beating Cadmium (6/4 fav) trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Paul Townend, with Classic Theatre (12/1) trained by Henry De Bromhead and ridden by Davy Russell in third
The Listed Lenebane Stakes, initially over 10 furlongs, but lately over 1 mile 4 furlongs, has been contested since 2006. A list of previous winners is shown below:-
2006 The Listed Lenebane Stakes over 1 mile 2 furlongs was won by Royal Intrigue (7/1) trained by Dermot Weld and ridden by Pat Smullen, beating Blessyourpinksox (16/1) trained by P Casey and ridden by Chris Hayes, with Kalderon (10/1) trained by Tom Hogan and ridden by David Casey in third
2007 The Listed Lenebane Stakes over 1 mile 4 furlongs was won by Princess Nala (3/1) trained by Michael Halford and ridden by R P Cleary, beating Blackberry Boy (5/1) trained by Dermot Weld and ridden by Pat Smullen, with Arch Rebel (evens fav) trained by J E Kiely and ridden by Mick Kinane in third
2008 The Listed Lenebane Stakes over 1 mile 4 furlongs was won by Raydiya (10/1) trained by John Oxx and ridden by Niall McCullagh, beating Arkadina (11/2) trained by David Wachman and ridden by Johnny Murtagh, with Honoria (12/1) trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Sean Levey in third
2009 The Listed Lenebane Stakes over 1 mile 4 furlongs was won by Alaivan (11/10 fav) trained by John Oxx and ridden by Mick Kinane, beating Von Jawlensky (3/1) trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Seamie Heffernan, with Via Galilei (5/1) trained by Jim Bolger and ridden by Kevin Manning in third
2010 The Listed Lenebane Stakes over 1 mile 4 furlongs was won by Karasiyra (4/5 fav) trained by John Oxx and ridden by Niall McCullagh, beating Sense of Purpose (10/1) trained by Dermot Weld and ridden by K Latham, with Leo Gali (10/1) trained by David Wachman and ridden by Wayne Lordan in third
2011 The Listed Lenebane Stakes over 1 mile 4 furlongs was won by Quest for Peace (3/1) trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Colm O’Donoghue, beating Haziyna (5/1) trained by John Oxx and ridden by Niall McCullagh, with Banksters Bonus (5/2 fav) trained by Jessica Harrington and ridden by Fran Berry in third
2012 The Listed Lenebane Stakes over 1 mile 4 furlongs was won by Aklan (12/1) trained by John Oxx and ridden by B A Curtis, beating Massiyn (9/4 fav) trained by Michael Halford and ridden by Johnny Murtagh, with Eternal Bounty (12/1) trained by David Wachman and ridden by Wayne Lordan in third
2013 The Listed Lenebane Stakes over 1 mile 4 furlongs was won by Bunairgead (9/2) trained by Jim Bolger and ridden by R P Cleary, beating El Salvador (11/4) trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Joseph O’Brien, with Majenta (14/1) trained by Kevin Prendergast and ridden by Chris Hayes in third
2014 The Listed Lenebane Stakes over 1 mile 4 furlongs was won by Einsteins Folly (8/1) trained by Jim Bolger and ridden by Kevin Manning, beating Belisarius (7/2) trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Seamie Heffernan, with Ebeyina (3/1) trained by Dermot Weld and ridden by Pat Smullen in third
2015 The Listed Lenebane Stakes over 1 mile 4 furlongs was won by Panama Hat (5/1) trained by A Oliver and ridden by Chris Hayes, beating Altesse (4/1) trained by Jim Bolger and ridden by Kevin Manning, with Toe The Line (16/1) trained by J F Kiely and ridden by Fran Berry in third
2016 The Listed Lenebane Stakes over 1 mile 4 furlongs was won by Red Stars (7/1) trained by John Oxx and ridden by D P McDonogh, beating Chemical Charge (7/4 fav) trained by Ger Lyons and ridden by C T Keane, with Simannka (11/4) trained by Dermot Weld and ridden by Pat Smullen in third
2017 The Listed Lenebane Stakes over 1 mile 4 furlongs was won by Flying Fairies (14/1) trained by John Oxx and ridden by G F Carroll, beating Glamorous Approach (4/1) trained by Jim Bolger and ridden by Kevin Manning, with Savannah Storm (9/2) trained by Ger Lyons and ridden by C T Keane in third
2018 The Listed Lenebane Stakes over 1 mile 4 furlongs was won by Kalaxana (11/4) trained by Michael Halford and ridden by Chris Hayes, beating Maths Prize (100/30) trained by Richard O’Brien and ridden by Billy Lee, with Family Tree (5/1) trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Seamie Heffernan in third
2019 The Listed Lenebane Stakes over 1 mile 4 furlongs was won by Downdraft (6/4 fav) trained by Joseph O’Brien and ridden by Donnacha O’Brien, beating Massif Central (5/2) trained by Michael Halford and ridden by C T Keane, with Masaff (15/8) trained by Dermot Weld and ridden by Chris Hayes in third
