Frankie Dettori for Barney Curley race at Bellewstown

Frankie Dettori, along with his English weigh room colleagues Jamie Spencer, Tom Queally and Shane Kelly will join Ireland’s top flat jockeys to ride in a special race in memory of Barney Curley at Bellewstown on Thursday 30th September.

Sponsored by Barney Curley’s friend Tony Gannon, the €20,000 Gannons City Recovery And Recycling Services Ltd Supporting DAFA Handicap, over one mile, will be the feature race on a star-studded day hillside track.

All monies raised will be donated to the late Mr Curley’s charity Direct Aid for Africa (DAFA) which he set up in 1996 to support the underprivileged people of Zambia.

The saddlecloths in the race are available for sponsorship for a minimum of €5,000 and some are still for sale.

Saddlecloth sponsorship details are available from Bellewstown committee member and event organiser, Alan Delany.

Legendary jockey, Frankie Dettori, said:

“Tom, Jamie, Shane and I are really looking forward to visiting Bellewstown to ride in The Gannons City Recovery And Recycling Services Ltd supporting DAFA race in memory of our great friend and his charity.

"Barney was very good to all of us from the moment we arrived in England.

"He was always at the end of the phone with good advice and while Barney didn’t say a lot, when he did you listened very carefully.

"His advice helped us with the many successes we have had in our respective careers.

“The lads and I would encourage everyone to get behind this special race, donate what you can and support the wonderful work of DAFA.”

Tony Gannon, owner of Gannons City Recovery and Recycling Services, commented:

“I am delighted to sponsor this very special race in aid of my late friend Barney and his brilliant charity DAFA.

"Pat Gallagher, a Kent-based Leitrim businessman and friend of Barney, and I are also delighted to sponsor a saddlecloth each to further support what should be a great day on the hill of Crockafotha.”

The first race is at 1.25pm and tickets will go on sale on Tuesday 7th September.

Check out www.bellewstownraces.ie or Bellewstown social media channels for further information.

For sponsorship information telephone Alan Delany on

00 353 86 8202874 or

email bellewstownraces@gmail.com