Last Saturday, 14th February, Gowran Park played host to a spectacular edition of Connolly’s RED MILL Day successfully blending high-octane National Hunt racing with a romantic Valentine’s Day flair. As a cornerstone of the Irish racing calendar for over 40 years, this fixture once again proved exactly why it remains a premier social and sporting destination for fans across the country.
The action on the track was a true masterclass from the Willie Mullins yard. Champion jockey Paul Townend steered the extremely promising Storm Heart to a commanding victory in the Grade 3 RED MILLS Trial Hurdle, solidifying the horse’s reputation ahead of the major spring festivals. The excitement peaked in the feature Grade 2 RED MILLS Chase, where the high-class Impaire Et Passe made a triumphant return to the winner’s enclosure. Despite a slight error at the penultimate fence, he showed immense grit to reel in Sa Fureur and win by a length and a quarter.
Off the track, the Style Quarter was a hive of elegance and activity. Renowned judges James Kavanagh and Marietta Doran presided over the RED MILLS Store Style Awards, which celebrated the very best of winter racing fashion. Lexi Shepert was crowned Best-Dressed Lady, closely followed by runner-up Tina Hemlock, while Stephen Kennedy claimed the top prize in the men’s category. To mark the holiday, a new Best-Dressed Couple category was won by Dawn and Richard, who walked away with a luxury stay at the Pembroke Kilkenny.
The atmosphere remained electric well into the evening, with vibrant fashion shows, a curated pop-up shop, and high-energy live music from the band After Dark in the party marquee. This seamless combination of elite National Hunt sport and a sophisticated social scene ensured that RED MILLS Day remains the most anticipated highlight in the Gowran Park racing schedule.
