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

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.

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.

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

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.

Limited Edition St Patrick’s Day Punter’s Packs – £23

In association with Magners, Hamilton and Kirk, Sean Graham and Pat O’Hare Bookmakers, Down Royal Racecourse will be offering a Punter’s Pack including admission to the Beef or Salmon Suite, for our St Patrick’s Day Race Meeting. The pack will include;

• ·         Entrance to the racecourse
• ·         A Racecard
• ·         A pint of Magners
• ·         A pulled pork roll
• ·         £5 matched bet with Sean Graham or Pat O’Hare
• ·         Admission to the Beef or Salmon Suite

Punter’s Packs are limited therefore we advise you book early to avoid disappointment, and all Punter’s Packs MUST be purchased in advance of 17^th March 2015.

Hospitality options are available at this race meeting from £49.50, for full details of the packages and  to book please go to www.downroyal.com or call the Racecourse office on 028 92621256 or email info@downroyal.com

Trainers are reminded that entries already made must be repeated.

The time of the first race will be 1.30pm.

Anna Henry, Matt Chapman, Mike Todd, Noel Meade, Mick Fitzgerald and Miss NI Rebekah Shirley
Photographer Matt Mackey Press Eye.

Biggest names in British racing behind record level of entries

Ireland’s leading trainers and many of the top horses in the national hunt world will take part in this year’s Festival of Racing at Down Royal Racecourse, taking place on the 31st October and 1st November. The world-class line-up was confirmed at the Festival launch in Belfast today, with the biggest prize fund of any race meeting in Northern Ireland also revealed as well as the biggest ever number of entries for Northern Ireland’s richest Chase.

At the launch, which was attended by leading racing figures Matt Chapman (At The Races), Mick Fitzgerald (Channel 4 Racing) and top trainer Noel Meade, it was revealed that the pot over the two days is a massive €430,000. This includes the WKD Hurdle on the Friday worth €50,000, which was won last year by legendary local jockey AP MCCoy on Jezki who went on to win the Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.
The JN Wine grade 1 Chase on the Saturday, Northern Ireland’s richest chase with a whopping €140,000 for the winner, has a record number of entries this year with 21 horses including last year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Bob’s Worth, and On His Own who came second in the same race in March this year.

Leading National Hunt trainer Paul Nicholls will have four entries to the grade 1 chase alone. Paul, who has trained over 2000 winners to date, won the 2012 Grand National, four Cheltenham Gold Cups and has been crowned British jump racing Champion Trainer eight times.

The Festival comes as a major, multi-million pound investment programme at Down Royal Racecourse reaches completion, with a brand new social space due to be unveiled ahead of the Festival.

Down Royal Manager Mike Todd says race-goers will enjoy an unrivalled National Hunt experience.

“This will be an adrenalin fuelled two days of racing, with an incredibly high standard of entry. The festival always attracts a wealth of talent which, in the past has included the legendary AP McCoy who won the Grade 2 Hurdle for the second time last year.

“Once again, this is the highlight of the Northern Ireland Racing calendar providing an unrivalled experience for racing fans here. With some of the biggest names in Irish and International horse-racing, we are looking forward to another incredible event at Down Royal.”

Complementing the packed racing card is the Best Dressed Competition on Saturday 1st November, sponsored this year by international design supremo Kris Turnbull who will also judge the event alongside In! Magazine’s Hayley Harrison, and NI Gossip Guy Neil Cole. This year’s winner will jet off to Monaco on a four-star holiday of a lifetime. The dream trip includes return flights, three nights 4-star accommodation in the Fairmount Monte Carlo, breakfast, return helicopter transfers and dinner on one night at the exclusive Fairmount hotel.

The Festival of Racing takes place on Friday 31st October and Saturday 1st November. Gates open at 11am on both days; with the first races starting at around 1pm. Admission is £12 on Friday and £15 on Saturday. Tickets can be purchased online, from the racecourse office, or at the turnstiles on the day.

Visit www.downroyal.com for more details or to book tickets. More information is also available on social media sites www.facebook.com/down-royal-racecourse or on @twitter.com/downroyal.

ENDS

For more information contact:

Ali Fleming ali@lkcommunications.co.uk 07738789817/ 02890427004

Jo Huddleston jo@lkcommunications.co.uk 07595068763/ 02890427004

NOTES TO EDITORS

Mick Fitzgerald At the Races and Channel 4 Racing presenter Mick Fitzgerald is a former jockey who rode his first two winners in 1988, later winning the Grand National on Rough Quest in 1996. He is a two-time winner of the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 1996 and 1999 (See More Business). Since his retirement in 2008, he’s been sharing his encyclopedic knowledge of the sport with TV viewers across the country.

Matt Chapman Matt spent eight years as a journalist on the Racing Post and four years with the Racing Channel before joining the At The Races team. He became fascinated by foreign racing after two and a half years at the International Racing Bureau, in Newmarket, and has also been PR director for the Tote and agent to top Flat rider Darryll Holland.

Noel Meade

Noel started training in 1970 with one horse Tu Va – 30 years on he passed the 2000 winner mark in 2008 and is well on his way to 3000. His first major breakthrough came In 1978 when Sweet Mint won the Cork & Orrery Stakes(Golden Jubilee) at Royal Ascot, and he was crowned champion trainer in the 1999/2000 season. He is now the proud holder of 7 champion trainer awards and 9 leading trainers’ awards for the most winners.

Bar Refurbishment Artist’s Impression at Down Royal Racecourse

A major, multi-million pound investment programme at Down Royal Racecourse will be completed next month after it officially unveils a brand new bar and social space, it was announced today.

Down Royal, which has already invested over £5 million in its racing and hospitality facilities, said it is spending a further £250,000 as part of a redesign and refurbishment of its main public bar.

The newly-revamped space, which attracts thousands of race-goers each year, will employ around 25 staff for every race event.

Work on this latest project gets under way just days after the Charles Hurst Premium Summer Race Evening on September 12th and will be completed in time for the start of the two-day Northern Ireland Festival of Racing on Friday 31st October.

The innovative new redesign will create additional seating areas in a bright and modern space and will have stunning views of the track.

As part of the plans to improve its hospitality offering, Down Royal has signed an exclusive partnership with Moira-based and internationally-acclaimed butcher Peter Hannan, who will be supplying his award-winning quality meat products for inclusion on a series of exciting new menu options.

Down Royal Manager Mike Todd said the new facilities will enhance the significant work already undertaken at the racecourse – all of which were completed with the comfort and experience of race-goers in mind.

“Since 1993, Down Royal Racecourse has ploughed more than £5 million into transforming the site with the provision of a new grandstand, new high-end hospitality suites and a landscaping overhaul that befits its position as one of Northern Ireland’s leading race day attractions,” Mike said.

“This latest investment reinforces our commitment to providing unrivalled facilities for the thousands of people who come to our race days, creating the most up-to-date and luxurious environment for them.”

Work is due to start on September 15th.

Last month, Down Royal signed its first major sponsorship deal with the region’s biggest car retailer, Charles Hurst Group, in a headline move that helps drive the prize pot for its next headline summer event to more than £65,000.

As part of the sponsorship arrangement, the new Premium car division becomes the top sponsor for Down Royal’s Summer Race Evening on Friday September 12th, which this year will not only feature the best flat racing on offer anywhere on the island of Ireland but a stunning showcase of some of the world’s sought-after premium car brands.

Charles Hurst is sponsoring three races on the day, taking the prize fund for them close to £20,000.

For more information, visit www.downroyal.com or phone 028 9262 1256.

The first race is start the evening off at 4.05pm (approx.). Our gates open from 2pm and entrance is priced at £10. Entrance tickets can be purchased online, from the racecourse office or at the turnstiles on the day. Concession rate will be £8 and available to OAPs and students. Children under 16 will receive free admission as usual.

Off the track, unbridled chic will be the order of the day at Down Royal will also host another if its ever popular Best Dressed Lady Competitions in association with Galgorm Resort and Spa.

Limited Edition Punters Packs are available for only £18 and include; entrance, racecard, roast beef roll, pint of Tennent’s and £5 win bet with Sean Graham or Pat O’Hare.

Hospitality package options are available from £90 + VAT per person. Tables can accommodate up to 12 people and bookings for smaller or larger parties are also welcome.

To book or for further information please visit www.downroyal.com or contact the office on 028 9262 1256.

Frocks, heels, hats and handbags will be donned for the Best Dressed Lady Competition on Magners Derby Race Day with the lucky winner receiving a trip to Istanbul including return flights, 4 nights 5* accommodation, breakfast, private airport transfers, personal guided tour of the city and a Dinner Cruise on the Bosphorus.

The first race on Friday 20th June is at 5.40pm (approx.). Our gates open from 3.30pm and entrance is £12 per person. On Magners Derby Day, Saturday 21st June, gates will be open from 12noon and the first race starts at 2.35pm (approx.). Admission is £15 and entrance tickets can be purchased online, from the racecourse office or at the turnstiles on the day. Concession admission is £10 on 20th June and £12 on 21st June. Children under 16 receive free admission on both days.

Limited Edition Punters Packs are available for Friday 20th June for only £23, which includes: Entrance, racecard, £5 win bet, a pint of Magners, roast beef roll and admission to the Rainbow Communications Suite.

Hospitality packages are available from £56 per person and tables can accommodate up to 12 people and bookings for smaller or larger parties are welcome.

The Dark Horse Café and Wine Bar will be open to the public for both days of the Summer Festival.

To book or for further information please visit www.downroyal.com or contact the office on 028 9262 1256.

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Not only did News Item claim a Boxing Day race victory a decade ago at Down Royal and was a dual Ulster Grand National winner in 2006 and 2007, but last year relived glory and was awarded the 2013 Down Royal Racehorse to Ridinghorse Ridden Open Champion title with Louise McMinn.

The 2014 Down Royal Racehorse to Ridinghorse Ireland League will kick off on 7th June with duo Ballymoney Agricultural Show and Lurgan Agricultural Show on 7th June encompassing different areas of the Northern region, followed by the Armagh Show, Dundalk Show, Saintfield Show ahead of the final legs on 21st June at Newry Agricultural Show and The Equi Festival Cavan. The League Final will be staged at Down Royal Racecourse on 20th July.

Competitors must attend at least three outings to qualify, and the league is based upon the points awarded by the judge on the ridden section.

While a competitor may win the individual class on the overall score, the league will be based on the ridden score in line with Racehorse to Riding Horse’s objective of rehabilitation and retraining, demonstrating that the horse has settled as a general riding animal.

The Racehorse to Ridinghorse competitions are a great opportunity for riders and racehorses undergoing retraining, and as an added bonus every combination in the class will receive a pair of tickets to the Magners Race Evening on 25th July at Down Royal Racecourse.

For more information on the 2014 Racehorse to Ridinghorse Ireland League 2014 or the Racehorse to Ridinghorse Ireland programme, please contact Julie Morris on 07938569291

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