The Kilbeggan Races pt. 4

Continued . . .

"The flag is raised," says the announcer. As the horses progress, throaty growls pierce the murmuring. "Oh Janey," "Come up, ya boyo," "Come on, Adamarann," "Forest Lady!"

Even with no wager placed, the sight of man and horse, intellect and magnificent physicality, striving and risking together over hurdles is inspiring. The total effect, the atmosphere, goes to the head better than any lager. Sonorous garrulous language, the sing-song of the hawkers, the whiff of strong cigarettes, Major and Carroll and Rothmann's, everyone in emotional unison, rising and releasing with the race.

During the first circuit of the two mile, three furlong event a horse falls. It falls at the far side and only those higher in the grandstands with binoculars see it pitch forward awkwardly over a hurdle. But a confused hush grips everyone momentarily, as if the fall were communicated through the very ether. The commentator confirms the fall moments later.

I Remember It Well wins in good fashion, and after several minutes the announcement comes, "Winner all right. Winner all right." The lucky can now collect their winnings. The voice makes no mention of the fallen horse or the jockey, and we learn what e ca from our fellow would-be odds-beaters. The jockey has broken his arm, but nothing about the horse. A first event fall does not bode well for the day.

Like all gambling congregations, the track is a veritable hive of rumor and speculation, exaggeration and tips. One can follow the progress of opinion on the bookmakers' chalkboards, where the odds are in continual flux. A thick crowd forms around each stand, with the bookie on a raised platform, scratching new odds with chalk as the betting for the next race progresses. He or assistants frequently whip binoculars to their eyes to view what's going on at other boards. Fierce mental calculations proceed. Other assistants move through the crowd with walkie talkies for good measure. Nothing must escape them. They follow the pulse of speculation and the bogeyman of insider knowledge.

Anything can happen in Irish racing, especially at the level of the Kilbeggan Races. This is true for many reasons, certain shenanigans not to be discounted. In May of 1991 several horses were pulled just before race time . . .

to be continued