Jasper has a great time at the Races

Hello Boys and Girls, HERE we are in the middle of Race Week again. Where does the year go? 2011 will almost be over once the Races finish. Molly and I have been in twice already and we're not finished yet.She's determined to be there tomorrow for Ladies' Day in her new hat. It's got loads of feathers and more fruit on it than the greengrocer's shop. She just loves it and I can't blame her. I'm fond of it myself. If I get a bit peckish at the track I can always have a nibble when she's not looking.As always, I'm looking pretty stylish myself. Molly got me a beautiful new pair of braces for my birthday and I look just great in them and my special racing hat. Molly says they're to hold up my pants because she doesn't want a repeat of last year's embarrassment.I got a bit over-excited when Cummer Goer looked like she'd take the 3.30 coming around the last bend. I jumped up and down so much that my pants fell down around my ankles in front of everyone.But I didn't care because the little beauty won and everybody from this part of the county went wild with delight.We all had an even bigger celebration later that night. I blew my winnings on a huge cake and everybody had a slice. Even Harry the jockey had a bit.He's been dieting for weeks before the race to keep his weight down but after he'd won he didn't care. He even had ice cream with it.I just love the races. Did you see all the pictures in The Herald the other week from the Ballyglunin Races. Now that was a great day out. There was even a Dog Show and lots more. As it's a special time of the year I feel one of my poems is in order. I wrote it for all you boys and girls. Here it is: OFF TO THE GALWAY RACESI'm off to the Galway RacesIn me best hat and shiny new braces.We're heading once again for BallybritFor the craic agus ceol and a big skit. It's true I never ever miss a yearNo way, no chance, no fear.I'll be there all the long dayAll week long I'm happy to say. Picking a horse is such good funCheering it on and watching it run.I shout and roar till I'm hoarseAs it runs the big Ballybrit course. Most years I come home pretty brokeBut it's just fun, a bit of a joke.You see I really don't bet very muchI'll not end up in a bookie's clutch. Molly and I dress in our bestAnd we put all our tips to the test.We don't mind as long as we enjoyCome on, come on, go-go-go Danny Boy. The Galway Races is the place to beOn a big course overlooking the sea.We really can't get enough of that trackAnd next year again for sure we'll be back. BABY HAWK NAMES The winning names for the four baby hawks at Ashford Castle in Cong are Wilde, Swift, Stoker and Joyce. If you visit Cong keep an eye out for them. CROSSWORDKeep those entries coming. The first name out of the hat this week is Maíre Keane from Crumlin, Ballyglunin. Maíre says she never wins anything but you can't say that anymore, can you? Your prize is on the way!