Very classy entries for the Grade 1 JNWine.com Champion Chase Saturday 31st October – the first Grade 1 contest of the 2015/16 National Hunt Season.

Twenty one horses have been entered for what looks like a mouth-watering renewal of the Grade 1 JNWine.com Champion Chase.

There are eight entries from Great Britain including the 2015 Grand National Winner, Many Clouds, who is trained by Oliver Sherwood.

Paul Nicholls has a tremendous record in this race and he will bid for his fifth victory in the year’s renewal and he has pencilled in last year’s runner up Rocky Creek, along with multiple Grade 1 winner Silviniaco Conti as well as Saphir Du Rheu, successful in last season Grade 1 Mildmay Novice’s Steeplechase at Aintree.

Welsh based Rebecca Curtis could be represented by the 2014 RSA Chase winner O’Faolains Boy, as well as the smart Irish Cavalier.

Down Royal native Neil Mulholland, who now trains in Conkwell Grange just outside Bath, could have first runner in the race, courtesy of the much improved The Young Master, while the David Pipe trained Dynaste completes the cross channel team.

Noel Meade has indicated that last year’s winner Road to Riches will return to defend his crown and he has also entered the locally owned pair Apache Stronghold and Texas Jack as well as Wounded Warrior.

Don Cossack, who won last season’s Grade 2 Powers Irish Whiskey Steeplechase, went on to develop into the best chaser in the British Isles and the eight year old heads a strong contingent for Gordon Elliott, who has also entered the 2013 JNWine.com Champion Chase winner Roi Du Mee along with Clarcam and Bright New Dawn.

Gigginstown House Stud could also be represented by the Mouse Morris trained, Rule The World.

Willie Mullins aims for his first JNWine.com success with Alelchi Inois and Urano, while Henry De Bromhead, who went close to winning this race on three occasions with the brilliant Sizing Europe, could run the improving Grand Jesture, while Robbie Hennessy has entered Rubi Light.

Gates open from 11am on Saturday 31st October with the first race starting at 12:35pm (approx.).

Admission is £15, children under 16 get free admission and there is free car parking for everyone attending. Hospitality packages start from £70 per person. Book now at www.downroyal.com

If you would like to get in touch with us, please email info@equestriannewsni.co.uk and we will reply on our return.

Thank you for your continued readership as we promote and report on equestrian activities of interest to the local equestrian community.

T.G.I. Friday ‘Jockey’ Meagan Green (pictured right), Mike Todd, General Manager of Down Royal Racecourse, and Eimhear Daly, Magners Brand Manager for Tennent’s NI, look forward to a Friday evening feast of racing at the Magners July Race Evening on 24 July.

The height of Summer marks the height of excitement at Down Royal on Friday 24 July when the Magners Race Evening celebrates the Sport of Kings in seasonal style.

Down Royal will take advantage of July’s extended daylight to run one of the year’s most exciting major flat race meetings. From approximately 5.50pm through to 8.45pm the competition on-track will be hot, while the atmosphere off track is relaxed and easy in keeping with the balmy weather.

Looking forward to the refreshing treat of a summer evening race at Down Royal, Eimhear Daly, Magners Brand Manager at Tennent’s NI, says; “Magners, of course, goes hand in hand with any social and sporting occasion and a night at the races blends the two perfectly.  The Magners Race Evening always has a special air of seasonal excitement to it and a glass or two of perfectly chilled Magners over ice will help race-goers with a little extra sparkle!”

“Summer is the perfect showcase for the crisp, refreshing flavour and natural character of Magners and with Original, Light, Pear, Berry and the new Magners Forbidden Flavours of Strawberry & Lime and Cloudy Lemon to choose from, there’s a Magners variant for every palette: a sure thing, as we say in racing circles!

“With the evening’s racing perfectly timed to pop along after a hard day in the office it is a great excuse for a night out, but remember to book your ticket as we expect it to be busy!  As we say at Magners, it’s not a moment too soon!”

Mike Todd, General Manager at Down Royal Racecourse, says, “We have been delighted to have seen our summer evening meetings at Down Royal grow hugely in popularity in recent years.  Our annual Magners Race Evening provides fans – and racing ‘newbees’ – with a great opportunity to kick back and relax after a tough week at work in true Thank Goodness It’s Friday spirit!  We have some fantastic racing lined up for them to enjoy so the forecast for this Summer highlight is looking great!”

Volunteers from PIPS, the nominated charity of employees at Tennent’s NI, will be collecting on the evening.  The charity delivers suicide prevention and bereavement support services, counselling and therapies throughout Northern Ireland.

Entrance to the Magners July Race Evening costs £10 per person or £23 for a punter’s pack. Hospitality packages also on offer. For further details or to book, visitwww.downroyal.com.

Pictured looking forward to the Magners Derby at Down Royal, the richest flat race in Northern Ireland, are (l-r) socialite Rebekah Shirley; Mike Todd, General Manager of Down Royal Racecourse; ‘jockey’ Meagan Green; and Eimhear Daly, Magners Brand Manager for Tennent’s NI. Taking place on Saturday 20 June, the Magners Derby Day at Down Royal’s Summer Festival of Racing has become a highlight of Northern Ireland’s social as well as its sporting calendar.

The Magners Ulster Derby, the richest flat race in Northern Ireland, is set to be the highlight of the 2015 Down Royal Festival of Summer Racing on Saturday 20^th June.

The prize pot of €100,000 ensures that the Magners Derby annually entices the cream of the runners and riders, chasing the honours over a distance of 1 mile and 4 furlongs, while, off the track, the event has become a highlight of Northern Ireland’s social as well as its sporting calendar.

This year the race is celebrating the renewal of the longstanding support package from Magners Original Irish cider, confirming the brand as title sponsor for a further three years and renewing the pouring rights contract between Down Royal and Tennent’s NI, the brand’s owner.
Delighted to retain the high profile association with Northern Ireland’s most valuable flat race, Eimhear Daly, Magners Brand Manager with Tennent’s NI, said “Magners is very much ‘at home’ at Down Royal and the iconic location of Down Royal is a perfect setting in which to enjoy a pint or two of Magners and share the unique sociability of our iconic brand.

“The atmosphere at Down Royal meetings is always electric, but never more so than on Magners Ulster Derby Day!  We’re all looking forward to an amazing occasion which, for us, will be particularly special as, throughout this year, we’re marking the 80^th anniversary since the recipe for Magners was created by William Magner.  When it comes to history, it seems we’ve just pipped our own race at the post, for this will be the seventh-ninth Derby!”

Mike Todd, General Manager of Down Royal Racecourse, added; “It is no surprise that we select the Magners Derby to be our feature race of our summer festival of racing.  The mega €100,000 prize potis guaranteed to attract many of this year’s top runners and riders, and we expect thousands of race fans will come along to cheer them on to the finishing post.

“We are also delighted that Magners has continued its support for this race as they share our commitment to providing great quality, excellent service and, superb hospitality.  It’s a winning combination that will once again make for a great day out for all concerned.”

The Magners Derby is the feature race of the second day of the celebrated Summer Festival of Racing at Down Royal.  Racing starts from approximately 2pm on Saturday 20^th June. For further details visit www.downroyal.com.

HRI Summer interns meeting HRI staff and racecourse managers – Photo: Healy Racing.

Tara Armstrong from Lisburn, Co Antrim and Martin Rice from Downpatrick, Co. Down have been selected as the Navan Racecourse and Fairyhouse Racecourse Student Interns, through the Horse Racing Ireland Internship Programme They will commence their twelve-week work placements at the tracks next Monday, June 8th.

This is the second year of the HRI Student Internship Programme which was launched in November 2013. Over 140 applications were received from students throughout the country with 47 students shortlisted and interviewed.

HRI has appointed seven interns for the summer season of 2015. Four of them will work in HRI’s racecourses: Leopardstown, Fairyhouse, Navan and Tipperary and three will go to HRI’s head office at Ballymany, Kildare, in the Marketing Department, The Racing Department and TOTE Ireland.

Pictured L to R: Tara Armstrong (Navan Intern), Peter Killeen (Manager of Navan Racecourse) and Amy Harding (Operations Manager). Photo: Healy Racing.

Tara and Martin have both just completed their Bachelor of Science degrees in Equine Management in CAFRE (College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise), Enniskillen. Tara has travelled to Japan and France gaining experience in the Industry. Tara also plays Netball and has represented Ulster in Badminton. Martin has taken out his Amateur rider’s licence and also enjoys hurling and swimming. He is an assistant instructor at the Royal Lifesaving Society in Downpatrick.

As part of their roles at the tracks the interns will assist in many areas of racecourse operations such as marketing, sales, social media, website maintenance, raceday operations and the promotion of events over the summer season.

Commenting on the HRI Student Internship Programme, Carol Nolan, Group HR Manager of Horse Racing Ireland said: “We were pleasantly surprised with the number of applications received for the internship programme this year and the standard of applications was extremely high. The HRI internship programme is a great opportunity for students to expand their industry contacts, broaden their knowledge of the industry and gain valuable marketing experience.”

Following the election, Romanet expressed his core objectives for his eighth mandate as Chairman of the Federation. “In an increasingly globalized industry, the IFHA must remain focused on its mission as a conduit of good regulation and practices on international matters,” said Romanet. “With the newly re-elected Vice-Chairmen we will develop an action plan in order to meet the Federation’s goals for the next three years.”

Romanet detailed the main strategic aims for the IFHA. He would like to see the organization:

• Implement a global anti-doping policy through the certification of labs, harmonization of drug control, and out-of-competition testing. The foundations of such a policy have already been built with Article 6 of the IABRW extensively reorganized and 5 laboratories across all regions selected for initial performance capability assessment and certification.

• Achieve a no medication on race-day policy for all IFHA member countries

• Advance measures to protect the welfare and safety of horse and rider while working with industry stakeholders to understand the current situation in individual countries and regions.

• Realize greater uniformity in the race-day rules of IFHA members in order to support the development of an international fan base for racing, reduce the risk of controversy, and foster simulcasting and commingling arrangements which improve the revenues of the sport. This will build on the major progress already achieved in connection with the “protest” rule.

• Apply rules and regulations that ease movement of horses to facilitate international competition while allowing for disease control. The 5-year Collaboration Agreement with the OIE (World Animal Health Organization) and the partnership with the FEI in the International Horse Sports Confederation will be major vehicles for progressing these matters.

• Foster the development of robust legal protection of racing’s intellectual property rights against unauthorized use by wagering operators. The principles first articulated by the IFHA in Art.28 IABRW are now capable of being crystalised in a new statutory racing right and the IFHA will actively promote this and other legal protections of racing’s intellectual property rights.

• Develop and execute a robust communication strategy in conjunction with its members, focusing on promoting the best of global racing through traditional and new media.

• Continue to grow the federation’s partnership with Longines, building awareness of the Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings, the Longines World’s Best Jockey, and corresponding awards and ceremonies.

• Further employ quality control of graded and black-type races through the International Grading and Race Planning Advisory Committee and the regional pattern committees.

Louis Romanet
The Romanet family is synonymous with Thoroughbred racing in France, and Louis Romanet is the fourth person in his family, over three generations, to work for the Société d’Encouragement. He joined this organization in 1968 and was appointed Director General in 1986.

When France Galop was created in May 1995, Romanet was appointed France Galop Director of Organisation and International Affairs. He later served as Director General from 1998 through December 2007, when he retired from that position. He has held the title of Chairman of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities since its creation in 1994 and will start his eighth mandate of three years in October 2015.

Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges
Mr Engelbrecht-Bresges has been Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Jockey Club since February 2007. He is also the Chairman of the Asian Racing Federation (ARF), which comprises over 20 member racing jurisdictions in promoting horse racing within Asia. Engelbrecht-Bresges is also a member of the Advisory Board of Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein e.V., organiser of the World Equestrian Festival, CHIO Aachen.

Engelbrecht-Bresges joined the Club in 1998 as Director of Racing and was appointed Executive Director, Racing, in 2000, at which time his portfolio was extended to include responsibility for the Property Department. During this period he played a significant role in uplifting the quality and profile of Hong Kong horse racing to world-class standards.

Prior to joining the Club, Engelbrecht-Bresges spent six years as CEO of the governing body of German horse racing and breeding, whose members include the representatives of racecourses, the Trainers and Jockeys Association and the German Breeders and Owners Association.

Jim Gagliano
Jim Gagliano became President and Chief Operating Officer of The Jockey Club, the breed registry for all Thoroughbred horses in North America, on January 1, 2010. He had served as Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer for The Jockey Club since June 2005.

Prior to joining The Jockey Club’s management team, Gagliano served as Executive Vice President of Magna Entertainment Corporation’s Maryland racing operations, where he was responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Maryland Jockey Club. He also served as President, MEC OTB, and Group Vice President, MEC Northern Group.

Before that, Gagliano served as Executive Vice President and General Manager of Greenwood Racing Inc. and worked in various roles during a 10-year stint with the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority. In January 2013, he was elected to the American Horse Council board of trustees.

Brian Kavanagh
Brian Kavanagh is Chief Executive of Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) which is the governing authority for racing in that country with responsibility for its development promotion and administration. Horse Racing Ireland also owns four racecourses, owns and operates Tote Ireland and the bloodstock promotion company Irish Thoroughbred Marketing. Brian has also served as Chairman of the European and Mediterranean Horseracing Federation since 2011 and Chairman of the European Pattern Race Committee since 2005.

Prior to taking on the role in HRI, Kavanagh was Chief Executive of the Irish Turf Club for two years and Manager of The Curragh Racecourse and Training Centre for five years. Previously he was employed as Financial Controller of the Irish Turf Club from 1985 to 1989. Kavanagh also spent four years working as an accountant for KPMG, after graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Comm.), Accounting and Finance and a Diploma in Professional Accountancy from University College Dublin.

Rebekah Shirley will be living Òla dolce vitaÓ at Down Royal on the 19th and 20th of June this year June with Lexus Belfast, part of the Charles Hurst Group and sponsor of this yearÕs Best Dressed Lady competition on day two of the Summer Festival of Racing (20th June). The lucky winner will be jetting off for an amazing three night five-star break in Rome, the fashion capital of Italy including £500 spending money. Rebekah is pictured with Mike Todd, Down Royal General Manager and Jonathon Lavery Sales manager at Lexus Belfast

Roman holiday up for grabs the Down Royal and Lexus Belfast best dressed Lady

Fashionistas and racing fans alike will be under starter’s orders for this year’s two-day Summer Festival of Racing at Down Roya lon the 19^th and 20^th of June, as it’s confirmed that Lexus Belfast, part of the Charles Hurst group, will sponsor the Best Dressed Lady Competition on Magners Derby Day (Saturday 20^th June). To celebrate this new racing partnership, the Lexus Belfast Best Dressed Lady, will win an amazing three night five star break in Rome, the fashion capital of Italy; including £500 spending money, walking tour and a Rome by night coach tour.

This announcement comes as Down Royal celebrates 330 years of racing heritage, with the venue undergoing a multimillion pound refurbishment programme including an upgrade of the public bar and food outlets in the main grandstand. The project, which was completed late last year, reinforces Down Royal’s commitment to providing world-class facilities to racegoers from across Ireland.

The sport of kings champions the queens of fashion and the Lexus Belfast best dressed lady competition provides the perfect opportunity for guests to celebrate their individual style and enjoy top quality racing in a bespoke Festival setting.

Jonathan Lavery, Sales Manager of Lexus Belfast, said:

“We are delighted to be part of the Best Dressed Lady competition, following Charles Hurst Premium’s successful partnership with Down Royal at the Summer Race Evening in September.

“With two such stylish brands, it will be one of the most chic events this year and we look forward to seeing the style on display at the event.”

Mike Todd, General Manager at Down Royal, says the two-day festival is the highlight of a fantastic social summer racing calendar, which runs through to September.

“We look forward to this event every year, marking as it does the highlight of Summer Racing at Down Royal, and we’re proud to be associated with Lexus Belfast for the best dressed ladies competition at our Summer Festival of Racing.

“This is one of the highlights of the racing calendar, and following our recent multimillion pound investment in facilities here we guarantee a fantastic day out for everyone attending Down Royal.  With the refurbishment of the public bar including the addition of Silks @downroyal, offering artisan food from award winning local meat supplier, Peter Hannan, the great day out that our many thousands of guests have at Down Royal just got even better!”

The Best Dressed Lady competition will be judged by Jonathan Lavery from Lexus Belfast, and he’ll be joined by Eve Brannon, Fashion Editor at the iconic IN! Magazine and one of Northern Ireland’s most stylish men, NI Gossip Guy Neil Cole. For more information on this year’s Down Royal Summer Festival of Racing on 19^th and 20^th of June, and details on how to enter The Best dressed Lady competition, visit www.downroyal.com.

3.45pm                       Turnstiles Open.          

4.30pm                       Hospitality Suite Opens.

5.30pm approx          Racing Tips from Celebrity Tipster Pamela Ballantine.

5.30pm – 7.30pm      Redeem your food voucher 

*Additional food options / Side Orders / Desserts also available to purchase.

5.45pm                       First Race.

8.55pm                       Last Race. 

9.30pm –11.30pm     Live Music after Racing with ‘The Chancers’

Celebrating all gentlemen out there with a flair for fashion – Ladies welcome too!

Down Royal and Barclay Communications are excited to launch another first in Irish racing – the Barclay Communications’ Gentlemen’s Race Evening at Down Royal on Friday 29^th May. A thrilling all National Hunt card of racing is accompanied by a host of quality entertainment throughout the evening.

For those gentlemen out there with a flair for fashion, make sure you dress to impress to catch the eyes of the judges for the Best Dressed Gentleman to be in with a chance to win a bespoke tailoring experience and suit with The Boardroom. Our celebrity guest, Mr Bang Tidy will also be judging the Most Dapperly Dressed Gentleman on the evening.

All gentleman racegoers can pop into the Jason Shankey Male Grooming marquee for a complimentary treatment during racing and enter the array of facial hair competitions including best facial hair, best beard, best sideburns and many more. With a fantastic array of prizes on offer such as Jason Shankey male grooming vouchers, beard oils and “Perfect Shave” Kits – this is a stand not to be missed!

The ever popular Punters Pack is available at £18 including entrance to the Racecourse, Racecard, Pint of Magners, Pulled Pork Sandwich, £5 MATCHED Bet with Sean Graham or Pat O’Hare Bookmakers.

Down Royal in conjunction with Shortcross Gin, are excited to launch the 1685 Club based in the Rainbow Communications Suite at Down Royal Course. This package includes admission to the racecourse, Shortcross Gin cocktail reception, Admission to the Rainbow Communications Suite, £5 matched bet with Sean Graham and live music before and after racing. It is £23 for a daily membership of the 1685 Club.

Barclay Communications’ will also be collecting at the turnstiles for the Jonjo Bright Trust, which supports local jockey Jonjo Bright who was injured in a life changing fall in 2013, a cause the local business mobile, landline, IT, web and app design company has already raised nearly £32,000 for.

All racegoers are encouraged to get into the spirit of fun and facial hair for this unique Gentleman’s Race Evening, celebrating the start of the Friday Night Summer Race Meetings at Down Royal.

The first race of the seven strong racecard starts at 5:30pm (approx.), gates open at 3pm, entrance tickets are £10 per person, concession admission is £8 and children under 16 go free.

To book or for further information please visit www.downroyal.com or contact the office on 028 92621256

Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 25th April 2015 -
RANDOX KILLULTAGH POINT-TO-POINT.

The annual Randox Point-to-Point at Crumlin, once again attracted bumper crowds who turned out for the two day point-to-point steeplechases. Situated on what is widely regarded as the premier point-to-point track on the island of Ireland, the weekend’s event (24^th and 25^th April) did not disappoint with multiple All Ireland Champion Derek O’Connor registering a double on Saturday partnering Ballycross to victory for Templepatrick trainer Colin McKeever and leading local owner Wilson Dennison followed by Chosen Dream at the fifth. O’Connor also recorded a brace of winners during Friday evening’s session having scored with Sister Saragh at the first and Frost at the fifth.

Our gates will open at 12pm ahead of the first race kicking off at 2.25pm (approx.) right through to the seventh and final race at 5.40pm (approx.). General admission is £12 for adults, £10 concession and children under 16 go free. Entrance tickets will be available at the turnstiles or can be booked online at www.downroyal.com.

The Rainbow Communications Punters Pack is available for only £22 and includes; entrance to the racecourse, admission to the Rainbow Communications Suite,  racecard to check the runners and riders, pulled pork roll and pint of Clonmel 1650. All Punters  Packs must be purchased in advance of 4^th May 2015.

Why not make the most of the day and upgrade to our Taste @downroyal package in our newly refurbished Moscow Flyer Suite? The Taste menu is designed to showcase the best in local Northern Ireland produce cooked in a simple and delicate way. The exclusive Taste @downroyal package costs £49.50 per person and includes; entrance to the racecourse, racecard to check the runners and riders, premium located suite and a sumptuous taster menu showcasing  the best of Northern Irish produce including dessert and artisan cheeses. To book this contemporary hospitality option visitwww.downroyal.com

For further information please visit www.downroyal.com or contact the racecourse office on 028 92621 256.

The Randox Point-to-Point will take place on Friday 24^th and Saturday 25^th of April, at Largy Road in Crumlin, on what many have described as the premier Point-to-Point track on the island of Ireland!

Point-to-Points are now firmly established in national hunt racing, with several champion horses starting their careers on the Irish Point-to-Point circuit, including several Grand National Winners, last year’s Randox Point-to-Point was no exception; Classic Place, winner of the Dennison’s Commercials 4 year old geldings maiden, was sold to Gigginstown House Stud (owned by Ryanair’s Michael O’Leary) and is now trained by Ireland’s top National Hunt trainer Willie Mullins.

Duke Arcadio won the Stonebridge Premium Feeds 5 year old confirmed maiden and is now trained by Donald McCain in England, Duke Arcadio then went on to win at Ayr at his next outing.

Pumped Up kicks won the Delta Packaging Mares winner of three, she is now owned and trained by Dan Skelton in England and has won two further races at Perth.

Randox Managing Director, Dr Peter FitzGerald said:

“We are pleased to once again host the Point-to-Point where champions are made.  As an award winning diagnostics company, we succeed because we are ahead of the curve and so we support events which encourage entrepreneurship, team work and healthy competition! We look forward to this year’s two day meeting where we might spot the next Cheltenham Gold Cup or Aintree Grand National winner.”

This popular event isn’t just for racing enthusiasts, everyone is welcome to enjoy the food stands, craft stalls and family festivities.  General admission is £5 per person, with free entry for children under the age of 16.  The first race on Friday 24^th of April will start at 4pm; on Saturday 25^th of April, the first race takes place at 2pm.