Principal praises Elliott and says Culmullin Chase is crucial to future

Culmullen National School principal Niamh Kelly has heaped praise on Gordon Elliott for taking time to visit and launch the Culmullin Chase, a fundraiser crucial to keeping the school afloat.

The 20th running of the Culmullin Chase will take place a week on Sunday, with all proceeds from the cross-country chase going to the County Meath primary school, which Kelly says is heavily in debt and could close but for the proceeds from the event.

Kelly said on Monday: "We have a legacy debt issue which is crucifying us and the Culmullin Chase is now the lifeblood of the school. It keeps us going.

"It's by far our biggest fundraiser of the year and I can't understate just how important it is to us.

"Gordon came to visit us last week and was so generous with his time. I couldn't believe how much the kids knew about him during our Q&A. They knew the names of his horses and everything. It was brilliant.

"I have to admit I was worried when the first thing Gordon said was that he didn't like school and didn't stay there too long."

Elliott said: "I'll do anything I can to help a worthy cause like that. The Culmullin Chase is a great day out and I was more than happy to help."

The Culmullin Chase is a well-known ride out across the Meath countryside and this year's event starts at 2pm on Sunday week.

There are groups to suit every level, from experienced cross-country jockeys to regular riding-school riders and down to lead-rein ponies.

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