PUNTERS RETREATED to the stands, the bars and restaurants to escape the heavy rain and strong winds that dampened the atmosphere at Leopardstown racecourse yesterday, giving the grounds a bare look.
The ATMs stood forlornly unused in the face of the elements and the recession.
A highlight of the racing day was the victory by Dermot Weld’s Unaccompanied, ridden by Paul Townend, in the €85,000 Istabraq Festival Hurdle.
Politicians were thin on the ground, having had their big traditional day out at the racetrack on Tuesday.
Former Fianna Fáil Kerry North-Limerick West TD Tom McEllistrim, from Ballymacelligott, near Tralee, met up with Cecilia Keaveney, from Moville, a former Fianna Fáil TD for Donegal North East and senator.
Asked if they were on starter’s orders for the next election, Mr McEllistrim had no hesitation in saying he would be a runner.
“I hope to contest the next local elections,’’ he said. “They are the only way back to the Dáil.’’
Ms Keaveney said: “All I would say is never say never . . . That’s a politician’s answer; one has to keep one’s practice going.’’
