Unique Beach Races Return to Laytown

Canceled last year due to COVID-19, Laytown once again puts out the bunting and welcomes fans back to the beach Nov. 1 for its unique once-a-year bash. 

For all that the meeting's new place in the calendar will need some getting used to, some things remain the same with Ado McGuinness, one of the most successful trainers at the track, holding a host of strong claims.

McGuinness, who will soon be jetting off to the sun in California when his stable star A Case of You  lines up for the Nov. 6 Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint (G1T) at Del Mar, has trained seven winners at Laytown, a fine record against the 10 Dermot Weld has enjoyed. He will send a solid group of contenders to compete in the six-race card.

The fact the Dublin-based trainer uses the beach on a daily basis is a distinct advantage and he said, "The horses we're bringing to Laytown this year have solid chances. War Hero is solid. He runs in the claimer and has run well at Laytown before so we'd be hoping for the best with him. 

"We use the beach a lot but we never gallop them on it. We use the beach to canter them or to give them a swim, so they are used to the environment and the surface. It's an advantage.

"Laytown is a great place to have a winner. It will be a bit different this year—you'll want your woolies on!"