Frankie Dettori to ride at Bellewstown in race in memory of Barney Curley

Frankie Dettori is set for his first ride at Bellewstown after being announced as one of the jockeys signed up to compete in a special race to remember Barney Curley at the track on September 30.

Curley, the legendary punter and former trainer, died at the age of 81 in May. He was an important mentor to Dettori throughout his riding career and the Italian jockey paid a heartfelt tribute to his friend following his death.

Jamie Spencer, Tom Queally and Shane Kelly, all of whom were also nurtured by Curley, have also signed up to compete in the race announced last month.

Curley masterminded one of the greatest betting coups of all time on June 25, 1975 when Yellow Sam won at Bellewstown at 20-1 with Curley watching on from the infield. The victory was reported to have netted him over £2 million in today's money.

Barney Curley: a legend rememberedCredit: Edward Whitaker

As well as being a hard-nosed punter and shrewd trainer, Curley was famed for his charity work. He set up the Direct Aid For Africa (Dafa) charity in 1996 for those in need in Zambia and often spent weeks at a time in the country.

Dettori, Spencer, Queally and Kelly will ride in the feature €20,000 Gannons City Recovery And Recycling Services Ltd Supporting Dafa Handicap over a mile at the County Meath venue. All monies raised will be donated to Dafa.

Dettori said: "Tom, Jamie, Shane and I are really looking forward to visiting Bellewstown to ride 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."

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The rider added: "The lads and I would encourage everyone to get behind this special race, donate what you can and support the wonderful work of Dafa."

The saddlecloths in the race are available for sponsorship for a minimum of €5,000 and some are still for sale. Sponsorship details are available from Bellewstown committee member and event organiser Alan Delany.

Tony Gannon, owner of Gannons City Recovery and Recycling Services, said: "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 saddle cloth each to further support what should be a great day on the hill of Crockafotha."

For sponsorship information phone Alan Delany on 00 353 86 8202874 or email bellewstownraces@gmail.com.

Read more on Barney Curley:

'He was everything to me' – Frankie Dettori pays tribute to Barney Curley

Long list of winning gambles contributed to the popular legend of Barney Curley

'Nobody will win as much on horseracing this century' – the very best of Barney

'Someone clearly told him what John was saying and he came storming out'

Yellow Sam: a perfectly executed gamble that netted Barney Curley a fortune

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