The big winners of the night, however, were trainer Gordon Elliot, who’s six-year-old, Western Fold won The McHale Mayo National under jockey Danny Gilligan, repeating their success in the race from 2023.

For the second year running this feature race has boasted an impressive prize fund of €100,000.

Gerard Geraghty, Public relations officer of Ballinrobe Racecourse, expressed his gratitude for the support from McHale

“If someone told me in 1986, we would have a €100,000 steeplechase running around Ballinrobe in a few years’ time I wouldn’t have believed them but it’s amazing. It’s a great race and it’s a testament to their sponsorship and the race when you see some of the trainers and jockey who are appearing here this evening.”

The continuation of the increased prize fund was announced at the McHale Raceday official launch in late April by freelance broadcaster Meghann Scully, alongside representatives of Ballinrobe Racecourse and McHale.

This continued growth of the McHale Raceday is owed to the hard work and dedication of the Ballinrobe Racecourse team, together with the steadfast support of racecourses’ esteemed neighbours, McHale. Their unwavering commitment has been pivotal in the growth and success of this race meeting, and it is thanks to their combined efforts that the high-calibre race that is the McHale Mayo National is made possible at Ballinrobe.