Bushfire won Garrycastle race on the day a bushfire blazed
In the early years of the 20th century, horse racing took place in Garrycastle. In May 1904, a horse called Bushfire II won a race on a day when, ironically, a bushfire erupted at the Garrycastle course. The following is an edited version of the Westmeath Independent report on the race meeting, and it's also an interesting slice of social history.
For the first time since racing over the Garrycastle course was revived, unfavourable weather set in on Tuesday last. But the morning opened very auspiciously. There was a bright sunshine and fleeing clouds moving across the sky gave the impression that weather conditions would be equally favourable to those which have obtained in previous years. Up to noon the day was, indeed, an ideal one, but the shrewd judge would notice in the strength of the sun's rays that rain was inevitable.
Shortly after one o'clock, the floodgates were opened. This was immediately after the first race and people were still thronging in great numbers to the racecourse. Ladies in gay costumes were to be seen whirling along towards Garrycastle in all descriptions of vehicles, and when the rain came pelting down their plight was, indeed, pitiable; almost as bad was that of the members of the male sex, who came unprovided with coats or umbrellas. Many were drenched through and through before setting foot on the race ground.
The scene during the morning in Athlone was a remarkable one. By an unfortunate coincidence the important May fair clashed with the races, and as a consequence no small amount of confusion occurred. The Urban Council have to be commended on the excellence of their arrangements to regulate traffic and prevent congestion of the thoroughfares leading from the railway stations. With this object the police were requisitioned to prevent cattle from being exposed for sale on Mardyke street and Dublingate street between 10 and 12 o'clock, and from 3 o'clock onwards. The task was an arduous one, but it was carried out in a highly efficient manner, the police being under the charge of Head Constable Connolly. It was regrettable that, under the circumstances, the fair was much smaller than it usually is.
The general impression seems to be that the attendance was equal - if not in excess - to that of previous meetings since the year 1899. The numbers who came from the immediate neighbourhood were probably larger, and they came streaming in from an early hour in the forenoon. The country lasses came attired in all the finery which months of saving could afford, and here again one laments the merciless treatment they received at the hands of the clerk of the weather.
The specially reduced fares on both railway systems - as well as the special trains - were very largely availed of. Immense crowds came from the midland and western districts, Mullingar, Roscommon and Castlerea supplying quite considerable contingents. In this connection the excellent manner in which the arrangements were attended to at both railway stations has to be mentioned.
The superintendents - Mr Morris at the Midland, and Mr O'Reilly at the Southern - did everything in their power to provide for the comfort and convenience of passengers. The special train arrived shortly after 12 o'clock, and then the rush to the course commenced. The number of vehicles was, apparently, larger than last year and the traffic to Garrycastle was, on the whole, well regulated. Some drivers, however, did not exercise the degree of caution which was necessary under the circumstances and a few accidents have, as a consequence, to be recorded.
On the course the arrangements were carried out in a very capable manner, thanks to the energy and zeal of the stewards and committee. Special reference, in this connection, has to be made to Mr JJ Coen, the energetic secretary, as well as to Mr John Murtagh and Mr Joseph Lyster. Their duties were highly arduous, but they were discharged in a manner which left nothing to be desired.
The usual spectacles of merriment and frivolity were witnessed outside the enclosure. There were thousands congregated around the various bookmakers' stands, and the roulette tables, and other like attractions, were very largely patronised. Between the showers the day was fine and summer-like and picnics on the grassy slopes were very much enjoyed. The good humour and order which prevailed throughout were a testimony to the marked influence which later day movements have had in the direction of inculcating the necessity of sobriety. Long ago the smallest brawl meant a faction fight, now not even a small brawl occurs.
The exertions of the military in keeping the run home clear were very effective, although many who were in the neighbourhood of the enclosure waiting for "tips" did not relish the idea of being ordered to move on. The extra police, who were on the course, were not required further than to regulate the traffic and assist the military in keeping the eager crowds back at the finishes.
About three o'clock, and from that onwards, the ground was in a frightful condition owing to the rainfall. In the enclosure it was almost impossible to walk, and outside the conditions were even worse. There was something reminiscent of the last Bushfield meeting in the seas of slush, the fortunate difference being that it only rained at intervals.
The catering arrangements, which were in the hands of Mr Michael O'Ferrall, were very capably carried out, and a tea tent - which was much patronised by the ladies - was an innovation on the part of the committee for which they deserve to be congratulated.
Now as regards the racing, a very curious incident has first to be commented on. Before the first race some person - accidentally or otherwise - set fire to the bush regulation fence in the vicinity of the old stand. The blaze, which was a big one, lasted for nearly half an hour. It was generally believed that the occurrence was due to somebody having carelessly dropped a lighted match near the furze with which the fence was constructed. Nothing but the side rails was left intact by the time the fire was extinguished.
Moydrum Plate
The opening event was the Moydrum Plate which drew half a dozen runners. Dutch Roll won the race easily from Culloden's Delight and Blue Blood II, the favourite (Balgriffin) having gone well before jumping the wing of a hurdle. The race was watched with very keen interest, and those who pinned their faith on Balgriffin - and there were many - met with a considerable disappointment.
The first shower came after this, and then the race for the 50th Field Artillery Brigade Cup, which was decidedly a most uninteresting affair. Of the seven that took part only one - the favourite - appeared in the race after the second fence. Banker was making home alone when, nearing the straight, Becky Sharp, who had only completed one circuit, joined in and raced up the straight in front of Capt Mackey's mount. The judge passed Becky Sharp first, and the favourite next. There was an objection immediately made, which the stewards upheld, and it was decided on reporting Capt Hill, the rider of Becky Sharp, to the stewards of the INHS Committee. It is important to note that Captain Hill did not ask to weigh in, and explained that he knew he was a lap behind, but that he galloped up the straight to reach the paddock.
In connection with this race some stormy scenes were witnessed outside the enclosure between bookmakers and their clients. Although it was plainly evident that Becky Sharp was not entitled to the race, many paid on the horse first past the post, the result being a good deal of confusion, and no inconsiderable display of temper. When Banker was riding home there was a good deal of cheering and his victory - such as it was - was a decidedly popular one.
There was much interest centred in the race for the Shannon Plate, which was a flat handicap race. The Maddenstown Lodge sent three horses, and Mr Parkinson's White Cross was the victor, winning at the nice figure of 5 to 1. Nobbler was second and Crocodile third, three lengths being between them. Much excitement attended the finish of this race, which was one of the best contested of the day.
In the race for the Athlone Plate, Mount Hilary won in a canter, a neck dividing second and third. Crafty Thought was a long way in the rere. In connection with the Garrycastle Plate there was much interest. Half a mile from home, Free Companion rapidly improved his position, and passing Little Tom and Bannagroe in the straight, won easily. The victory of Free Companion was a surprise and a disappointment to many.
Bad blunder
There were nine runners for the Glynwood Plate. The Grainger blundered badly when leading the race and displaced his rider. There was a remounting. Nearing the stand Little 'Un assumed control but his rider, thinking he had completed the distance, pulled off until, having discovered his error, he went on again. Sheskin took command and in the end won easily by eight lengths. The Grainger was fourth and Silver Sand next. Little 'Un collapsed at the last fence, while Caress also came to grief, and Little Mary did not complete the course.
Dr Moorhead's mishap was very generally regretted and many were the congratulations showered upon him as soon as he made his appearance in the straight, after having extricated himself and his horse from the unfortunate position in which they were placed. Dr Moorhead's popularity is considerable, and much relief was expressed when it was known that he had sustained no serious injury.
The last race was that for the Ballinahown Plate. Bushfire II won by two lengths, a similar distance dividing second and third. Bushfire The Second's win must, under all the circumstances, be regarded as an exceedingly clever one.