You wouldn't think that model Jasmine Guinness had much in common with the Lisdoonvarna builder Bernard McNamara, but they've recently come together to promote what this year at least will be known as the Parknasilla Hotel Goffs Millions 2007.
It's a bit of a mouthful but it will be the richest race day in Ireland when it takes place at The Curragh on September 14th. There will be a prize fund of no less than €3.2 million, split across two races - one for colts and the other for fillies.
Guinness will be the international ambassador, no less, for the two-year-old event, and goodness knows what that entails.
Meanwhile, the unstoppable Bernard has very ambitious plans for the Parknasilla Hotel, which has one of the great settings in Kerry.
The plan is to convert the old lady into a luxury five-star retreat and, considering how much was spent on the tired Shelbourne, expect to see the very best down in Parky.
Even in a quiet market Bernard has been the most active player in recent months, snapping up property in all the best locations, from Dublin to Delhi. He may need a five-star retreat himself if he keeps up this hectic pace.
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