Racing at Listowel on Thursday was delayed for over an hour following two medical emergencies at the Kerry racecourse that saw the air ambulance land on the track in front of the packed stands. The hugely popular Festival was staging its fifth day and just four races on the scheduled seven-race card took place before the delay. Patrons were told of the delay before the 4.37pm contest, the Behans Horseshoe Bar, Restaurant & Townhouse Handicap Hurdle and the horses were subsequently taken out of the parade ring. Racing resumed over an hour later at 5.45pm as the horses and jockeys returned and all three remaining races were staged in quick succession. An air ambulance arrived at the track and up to three ambulances were also on site to attend at the emergency, which is now believed to have concerned two members of the public.
The Emergency at Listowel Races
Well known racegoer Mike Parcej said on X: “Folks, don't know for certain but there may be a delay to racing here at Listowel. A racegoer would appear to be receiving emergency service treatment, course ambulance with them. Unconfirmed.” He later added: "A challenging day for everyone involved here at @ListowelRaces , but once again we saw at first hand the amazing work our emergency services do, when called on sometimes with barely any notice. Also gold stars to all for effortlessly running the last 3 races at 20 minute intervals." An Irish Horseracing Regulataory Board (IHRB) tweet had earlier said: "There will be a slight delay to the start of the fifth race," while the IHRB's Head of Communications Niall Cronin later spoke live on TG4 to confirm racing would resume and it was in fact two medical emergencies.
Medical Emergencies Force Delay
"The main thing was to deal with the medical emergencies," said Cronin. "There was a great effort by a lot of people. Kerry Civil Defence are on site here and the North Cork Civil Defence. The National Ambulance Service obviously arrived and the gardai. John Sheehan, the facilities manager here is a fireman himself and was on hand to give brilliant assistance. I think I even saw the TG4 Floor manager in the mix as well so everyone really reacted very quickly and best wishes to the two people involved." Irishracing.com had earlier tweeted: "The air ambulance has arrived at Listowel due to a member of the public having had a medical emergency. Racing has been delayed as a result."
Fans React on Social Media
Fans have reacted on social media, and many have sent well wishes to the racegoer. One posted: "Hopefully they are all okay." A second wrote: "All thoughts and prayers for the racegoer." A third commented: "Really hope the person is okay." A fourth said: "Praying for him." A fifth wished: "My thoughts are with the person who’s been taken ill." Another added: "Hope the person affected is OK. Clearly very serious."
The Aftermath and Racing Resumes
Racing TV host Tom Stanley said: "We are in the dark as to what the prospect of racing again looks like." The final three races are expected to take place once after the air ambulance takes off with a reduced wait time between. The air ambulance was called to Listowel Racecourse yesterday evening as two medical emergencies’ took place around the same time. One individual, who is well-known in the racing industry, took ill outside the parade ring while watching the action on the big screen. Another person needed medical attention in the first aid centre in the vicinity of the owners' and trainers' bar. Racing was suspended as the two racegoers were treated by the emergency services, but ultimately the air ambulance was not needed. Both individuals are said to be doing well.
Ladies Day at Listowel Races
Day six of the Listowel Harvest Festival continues today, with Ladies Day expected to draw large crowds. You can catch all the action here on Radio Kerry, with the first race off at 2:05pm.
A Moment of Shock and Concern
The shocked crowd looked on as medical personnel attended to two people in separate incidents close to the paddock area of the track. One person received treatment in the trainers and owners lounge, while the air ambulance landed on the track close to the main stand. Three ambulances were also at the scene. It’s thought the air ambulance was not used. “It was obvious something had happened by the way the medical team had responded so quickly. But when we saw the air ambulance arriving we knew then it was serious. Everyone was just hoping they were okay,” a racegoer told The Kerryman.
What Happens Next at Listowel?
Race action continues at the Listowel Harvest Festival today with the Honda Ladies’ Day expected to boost attendances for what is the busiest day of the seven-day meeting.
