Reflecting on the night, landlord Gary Monroe expressed his deep appreciation for the support shown by the racing community. “I was honoured to host the event and all the fantastic panellists that were there. Attendees said it was the best preview night they had gone to, and many had travelled far to be there. There was even a group of lads up from Wexford," he said.
“The panellists are all very busy. They travelled from Kilkenny, Carlow, and the Curragh. In fact, Joseph O'Brien trained a winner in Thurles that day, and then came to Monroe's afterwards, before going home to Kilkenny.
“Everyone who was there was either involved with horses or horse lovers. It was fantastic to see the support the lads got."
The panel of racing experts included, Chad Yeomans, Kevin O'Ryan, David Casey, Ian ‘Busty’ Amond, Gary O'Brien, John Dineen, Ross O'Sullivan, and Joseph O'Brien.
The true highlight of the night was the overwhelming generosity shown towards Rosabel’s Rooms, a charity dedicated to supporting families dealing with child loss.
It was established by Dr Suzanne McClean and Gary Monroe, who lost their beautiful 16-month-old daughter, Rosabel, in April 2017. It is a lifeline for bereaved parents and families.
“When I went to speak myself on the night,” says Gary, “I was emotional, and overwhelmed with everyone’s kindness and generosity. I am very grateful, I really am.”
Betting exchange Betdaq made a surprise gesture of generosity with a €5,000 sponsorship of the event, helping to bring the total raised to €15,000.
Rosabel’s Rooms offers financial and emotional support to bereaved families, and works to create family-friendly bereavement suites in hospitals across Ireland. The success of the Cheltenham Preview Night will ensure that more families in need will receive crucial support through Rosabel’s Rooms.
