Maxine O'Sullivan hangs up her saddle with a dominant winner on day one of the Tramore Festival

The 2026 Tramore August Festival got under way in impressive fashion on Thursday evening as racing fans flocked to the seaside track for the opening fixture of the popular four-day meeting. With good ground, competitive fields and a healthy attendance, the first evening of the festival produced a series of notable performances and a handful of surprises across a seven-race card.

The opening contest, the Bar 1 Betting Rated Novice Chase, saw Luker's Tipple continue his upward progression with a convincing success for trainer Gavin Cromwell and jockey Keith Donoghue. Sent off the 13/8 favourite, the five-year-old was always travelling strongly near the head of affairs and took command before the third fence. He and Killeemore Lad moved clear of their rivals after the third-last obstacle, but Luker's Tipple had the race safely in keeping approaching the final fence and powered home to score by four-and-a-half lengths. Missus Beeton stayed on for third. The victory gave Cromwell's powerful operation an early festival success and highlighted a horse that continues to improve over fences.

The O'Neill's Bar Beginners Chase provided another impressive display as Kasper Hauser made a winning start to his chasing career. Trained by Kevin Coleman and ridden by Calum Hogan, the four-year-old travelled prominently throughout the extended two-mile-six-furlong contest before asserting from the home turn. Hogan gradually increased the pressure and Kasper Hauser pulled clear on the run-in to beat 66/1 outsider Rattledelatch by almost five lengths, with Frankie's Freebie taking third. Coleman afterwards indicated that good ground was vital to the horse and suggested there could be more to come before the season concludes. 

Race three produced one of the biggest surprises of the evening. Johnny Rambo, trained by D. Duggan and ridden by Alan O'Sullivan, emerged victorious at odds of 4/1, but the eye-catching aspect of the result was the horses that followed him home. Rank outsider Pinkarizon finished second at 300/1, while Faerie Tales claimed third at 80/1. Favourite Rosarian failed to make an impact as the race rewarded those willing to support the longer-priced runners and resulted in some substantial betting dividends. 

The Flynn Hotel Group Handicap Hurdle brought together a select field of six runners and produced a strong finish. Rightfolksplease, trained by Declan Queally and ridden by Kevin Healy, proved best in the closing stages to deny Churchwarden. The pair disputed matters from before the second-last hurdle and remained closely matched approaching the final flight, but Rightfolksplease finished the stronger to secure victory by two-and-a-quarter lengths. Dairy Force stayed on for third in what was one of the more tactical contests of the evening.

The fifth race saw favourite Lureka Du Noyer justify market confidence for trainer Henry de Bromhead. Partnered by Darragh O'Keeffe, the mare travelled comfortably throughout before producing a decisive challenge in the straight. She edged clear of Mr Master Mac to record a one-and-a-quarter-length success and provide De Bromhead with another winner at the Waterford venue.

A full field lined up for the penultimate event and it was The Cobblers Wife who came out on top after a competitive handicap battle. Trained by Anthony Mullins and once again ridden by Alan O'Sullivan, the winner prevailed in a closely-fought finish from Princess Felicia, with Pure Logic taking third place. Given the size and competitiveness of the field, the performance represented a valuable festival success for connections.

The meeting concluded with arguably the most dominant display of the night as Dream On Baby stamped his authority on the closing contest. Trained by Emmet Mullins and ridden by Maxine O'Sullivan, the 7/4 chance stretched clear after the final obstacle and eventually crossed the line a commanding 12 lengths in front of Splashing Out. Paul's Dream, who started favourite, had to settle for third. It was Maxine’s final ride as she announced her retirement after the race.

With total betting turnover reported at more than €157,000, the opening night provided an encouraging start to the four-day festival. Luker's Tipple and Kasper Hauser were among the standout performers, while Johnny Rambo's race produced the shock result of the evening. As the festival moves into its remaining three days, racing enthusiasts can look forward to plenty more action at one of Ireland's most scenic summer race meetings.