'They've seen some amazing coups' - Barney Curley silks set for charity auction

A rare collector's item will be auctioned at Bellewstown on Wednesday when the iconic black, white and red silks of Barney Curley are offered in aid of the legendary figure's Direct Aid for Africa (Dafa) charity.

A bumper crowd is expected at the County Meath track for the inaugural running of the Barney Curley Charity Cup, with two teams – captained by Frankie Dettori and Willie Mullins – doing battle across two races for a special jockeys' challenge.

The raceday is designed to raise funds for Dafa, which the late Curley set up in 1996 to support underprivileged communities in Zambia, and takes place at the scene of his unforgettable Yellow Sam coup of 1975.

Racecourse vice chair Alan Delany is one of the event's primary organisers, and expects a hotly contested bidding session for Curley's framed colours given their rich history.

"They are silks which have been carried by some fantastic winners, been worn by a host of brilliant jockeys and have been to the fore in some amazing coups," said Delany.

Barney Curley: pulled off famous Yellow Sam gamble at Bellewstown in 1975Credit: Edward Whitaker

"They're going to be auctioned off outside the famous phone box at Bellewstown on the day of racing, and we've had loads of calls already. Live remote bids will also be accepted via a designated WhatsApp group.

"There is plenty of interest and for starters we've had a couple of thousand already in a bid for them. You wouldn't know how much they might make."

Delany says excitement is brewing around the hill of Crockafotha in anticipation of the arrival of leading riders involved in the Barney Curley Charity Cup (3.10 and 5.25).

Declarations for Wednesday's card were made on Monday morning and the contests feature mounts for British-based riders Jamie Spencer, Shane Kelly and Tom Queally, who were all associated with Curley.

All three feature on Dettori's team, alongside Seamie Heffernan, Billy Lee, Chris Hayes and Siobhan Rutledge, while Mullins' squad consists of Rachael Blackmore, Colin Keane, Wayne Lordan, Declan McDonogh, Shane Foley, Dylan Browne McMonagle and Robert Whearty.

"We're feeling a great buzz around the place leading up to the day," said Delany.

"I came up with the idea last year with a few people; we want to host a fundraiser every year and continue on the legacy left by Barney when it comes to Dafa. There is a lot of goodwill around the whole event."

Delany added: "Frankie and Willie are really excited to be a part of this. We have Frankie flying in on Tuesday from Germany, where he's riding a bit of work [on Arc contender Torquator Tasso]. He'll be there to give his team a bit of coaching on Wednesday."

Those unable to attend Bellewstown but are genuinely interested in bidding remotely for Curley's silks are invited to contact 00 44 796 808 4192. A reserve of €1,000 has been placed on the item.

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