08/09/2009

Racing Success For Down Royal

One of Northern Ireland's top horse racing events has been launched.

The two-day Northern Ireland Festival of Racing is at Down Royal Racecourse.

It will take place this year on Friday 6th and Saturday 7th November and cements a decade of sponsorship of the only Grade1 Steeplechase in Northern Ireland by JNwine.com.

The success of the 2008 festival, which drew a record 15,000 visitors to the racecourse, continues to attract big name sponsors, with betting giant Ladbrokes, Rainbow Telecom and WKD Core Apple Cider, among those providing support.

Lough Developments, the Mirror, Eventsec, Hampton Homes by Design and Metaltech are also backing Down Royal and this year's festival will once again be broadcast to thousands of viewers across Britain and Ireland by leading racing correspondents from 'At the Races', Radio Five Live, Radio Ulster and Channel 4.

In 2008, Tony McCoy made a triumphant return to Down Royal and clinched victory on Jered.

Kauto Star won the JNwine.com Champion Chase at last year’s Festival, joining previous legendary winners such as Beef or Salmon, Looks Like Trouble and Florida Pearl.

With confirmation from Paul Nicholls that Kauto Star will be entered in the Champion Chase, Derek Thompson promised this year's festival would be bigger than ever.

He said: "I think it is incredible what Down Royal is doing in the racing world.

"This particular festival has put the Northern Ireland racetrack on the world map and that can only be good for everyone connected.

"It is a race meeting that I look forward to every year and it is an honour to help promote what is one of the highlights of the National Hunt season," he commented.

Mike Todd, Manager of Down Royal Racecourse, is certain that this year's Northern Ireland Festival of Racing will see a record turn-out.

"Down Royal Racecourse is now firmly established as one of the leading National Hunt tracks in Ireland.

"The festival provides a rare opportunity for racegoers to meet top jockeys and horses, normally only seen on television.

"Action is top of the race card with top quality racing over the two days. Racegoers can enjoy five minutes of racing action and 25 minutes of interaction with friends," he said, also noting that the completion of the new grandstand incorporates a premium hospitality suite and an elevated viewing area.

(BMcC/KMcA)

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