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.

Zara Shaw toasts the return of ‘WKD’ as a premium race day sponsor for the first day of this year’s Festival of Racing. The event, which takes place on the 31st October and 1st November, features one of the richest ever prize pots in racing here which was won last year by AP McCoy on Jezki, the horse which went on to win the Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham festival the following March, the most famous Hurdle race in the world. Photo: Darren Kidd / Press Eye

€50k prize pot for hurdle previously won by AP McCoy

Drinks brand ‘WKD’ will once again sponsor the first day of this year’s Festival of Racing, featuring one of the richest prize pots in racing here which was won last year by one of Northern Ireland’s sporting heroes paving the way for a spectacular Cheltenham victory.

Down Royal has confirmed that €50,000 is on offer for the Grade 2 WKD Hurdle on Friday 31^st October won last year by record- breaking jockey AP McCoy on Jezki, the horse which went on to win the Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham festival the following March, the most famous Hurdle race in the world.

Racing fans will know that AP McCoy has won the prestigious race twice as a jockey in the past six years as has Barry Geraghty, and since the inception of the race in 1999 Noel Meade has trained 7 of the 15 winners.

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

Down Royal has already invested over £5 million in its racing and public facilities, with the final stage – the redesign and refurbishment of its main public bar – now underway.

Toasting a spectacular race card for this year’s Festival of Racing at Down Royal are Brendan Loughran, Country Manager of the SHS Drinks Division, Zara Shaw, and Down Royal General Manager Mike Todd.
Northern Ireland’s favourite ready to drink brand ‘WKD’ are returning as a premium race day sponsor for the first day of this year’s Festival of Racing. The event, which takes place on the 31st October and 1st November, features one of the richest ever prize pots in racing here which was won last year by AP McCoy on Jezki, the horse which went on to win the Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham festival the following March, the most famous Hurdle race in the world.

Down Royal Manager Mike Todd says this festival will feature a top-class racing card.

“The Grade 2 Hurdle is an action-packed race which in the past has attracted a wealth of talent, including the legendary AP McCoy.  Having WKD on board for the fifth year running celebrates a fantastic partnership for us and we’re looking forward to an outstanding festival.  With the last phase of our upgrade now completed, Down Royal now boasts unrivalled facilities making it the first choice for racing fans from across Ireland”

Brendan Loughran, Country Manager of the SHS drinks Division said:

“The Festival of Racing is one of the highlights of the racing and social calendar here and we are thrilled to return with WKD as Premium Sponsor. Down Royal is a  world-class venue, and a fantastic backdrop for a great day out, and some of the most exhilarating horse racing in Ireland.  The partnership of WKD and Down Royal has worked incredibly well over the past five years and with this years event falling over Halloween we’re looking forward to a spooktastic and unrivalled festival of racing.”

The Festival of Racing takes place on Friday 31^st 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.

Down Royal 20-6-14
Jockey Davy Russell Explains The Life Of Being A Jockey To The YouthAction Group From Belfast, Photo:WWW.HEALYRACING.IE

Down Royal Racecourse welcomed 15 members from YouthAction to Down Royal Racecourse on Friday 20^th June, the opening day of Down Royal’s two-day Summer Festival.

The YouthAction Group were treated to a tour of the racecourse and saw first-hand what goes on behind the scenes of the County Down racecourse. The group walked the track with the Clerk of the Course, met the Racecourse Doctor and had a Q&A session with current Gold Cup winning Jockey Davy Russell.

Chairman of Down Royal Racecourse, Jim Nicholson, welcomed YouthAction to the racecourse: “The Summer Festival is a highlight of the racing calendar here at Down Royal and we are delighted to have shared it with YouthAction who have strived to make a significant difference to the lives of young people and communities’ right throughout Northern Ireland for the last 70 years. The young people visiting the racecourse on the first day of the Summer Festival 2014 witnessed the workings of the entire racecourse right from the weigh room to the racetrack, and spoke to the experts that make racing happen. We were delighted to welcome them to the racecourse and to be able to offer them this experience.”

The Summer Festival at Down Royal racecourse is a highly anticipated event which kicked off on Friday 20^th June with The Tote Galway Plate Trial Race Evening, while Saturday’s racecard featured  the richest flat race in Northern Ireland in the Magners Derby as well as the illustrious Best Dressed Lady Competition.

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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This May Day bank holiday at the races, the Daily Mirror will once again join forces with Down Royal for the annual May Day race meeting.

Gates open at 12.30pm ahead of the first race at 2.15pm (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 Limited Edition Mirror May Day Package is available for only £18 and includes; entrance to the racecourse, racecard to check the runners and riders, roast beef roll and pint of Magners. All Mirror May Day Packs must be purchased in advance of 5^th May 2014.

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 £47.50 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 visit www.downroyal.com

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

Boxing Day at Down Royal is the other great Christmas tradition and has become a firm favourite for both families and racing enthusiasts alike. This year Down Royal is proud to be running the Boxing Day Race Meeting in support of the Jonjo Bright Trust.

There will be a collection at the turnstiles and a specific hospitality package available for those wishing to support the Trust. The seven strong racecard provides an opportunity to wrap up warm and beat the ‘Boxing Day Blues’ with some top quality National Hunt racing. Our gates open 11.00am with the first race kicking off at 12.25pm (approx.) and the last at 3.30pm (approx.). Concession admission is £10 and children under 16 receive free admission. Entrance tickets will always be available at the turnstiles on the day. For further information on the fantastic work done by the Jonjo Bright Trust or to make a donation please go to http://www.jonjobrighttrust.com/
Premium Entrance Package – £17

This includes your entrance to the racecourse and admission to the immensely popular Beef or Salmon Suite where you can enjoy a private bar, food outlets, balcony and views over the finishing straight.
Places for this package are limited so book early to avoid disappointment. Contact the office on 02892 621 256 or book online at http://www.downroyal.com/fixtures/details/?id=52
Down Royal Hospitality
Hospitality will be hosted in the Moscow Flyer Suite, seating 130 guests, this suite has CCTV, Tote betting, private pay bar and direct access onto the viewing area of the grandstand. It also boasts a new balcony on the rear of the suite which has fantastic views over the Parade Ring. The package includes the following:
• Entrance
• Premier Enclosure Badge
• Racecard
• Three course meal with tea and coffee
• Guest Tipster
• Tote betting to your table.

The price is £70 per person, tables can accommodate up to 12 people and bookings for smaller or larger parties are welcome.

Hospitality Package in Support of the Jonjo Bright Trust
This package is £65 per person, for more information on this or to book the hospitality in support of the Jonjo Bright Trust, please contact the office on 028 92621256.

Contact the office on 02892 621 256 or book online at http://www.downroyal.com/fixtures/details/?id=52

At 19 years old local aspiring amateur jockey, Jonjo Bright was left paralysed following a point-to-point fall on the 2nd March 2013.
Each Jonjo Bright Boxing Day Races’ ticket costs £65 and includes a drinks reception, three course meal and free £5 win bet with Sean Graham Bookmakers.

Ticket proceeds will go towards helping Jonjo live the most independent and fulfilling life possible.
Tickets can be purchased from Down Royal on 028 9262 1256.

JAYNE Pied a Terre @ HOF dress £175, Accessorize Hat £38 TIFF Pied a Terre @ HOF Dress £159 Accessorize Hat £38

Victoria Square’s Ladies Race Day will once again thunder past the post as one of the most stylish race meetings of the year when it returns for a fifth time to Down Royal Racecourse on Friday 13^th September 2013.

All out glitz and glamour will descend on Down Royal with fabulous frocks, haute couture hats, flamboyant fascinators and sky high heels the order of the day, as guests vie for the coveted £3,000 Victoria Square Best Dressed Lady prize.

While race-goers are watching the track, the judges – House of Fraser Manager Michelle Jackson, local milliner Grainne Maher and Victoria Square’s personal stylist, Rebecca McKinney will be on the lookout for the Northern Ireland ladies that epitomise true race day style.

After a hotly contested selection process, 10 stylish finalists will chosen – followed by the overall winner and recipient of an incredible prize comprising of vouchers from each of the lead sponsors – House of Fraser, Cruise and Reiss.

Lauren Campbell, marketing manager at Victoria Square said:  “Each year we are blown away by the high level of style on show at Down Royal for the Victoria Square Ladies’ Race Day. The event is now firmly established as the most glamorous date in Northern Ireland’s racing calendar, plus the atmosphere and racing at Down Royal make it a day not to be missed, whether you’re an avid race-goer or fashionista!”

To purchase tickets visit: www.downroyal.com

For further information on the Best Dress Ladies Prize visit: www.victoriasquare.com/ladies-day

©Press Eye Ltd Northern Ireland 16th March 2013 – Mandatory Credit – Picture by Matt Mackey/presseye.com

Kick start your weekend with the Musgrave Retail Partners N.I. Race Evening at Down Royal with a seven strong National Hunt card on Friday 30th August. The gates open at 3pm with the first race commencing at 4.40pm approx. with the seventh and final race scheduled for 7.40pm approx.
Entrance tickets are £10, concession tickets are £8 and children under 16 receive free admission. Tickets can be purchased online at www.downroyal.com or by calling the office on 02892 621 256, alternatively entrance tickets will always be available at the turnstiles on the day.

Limited Edition Punter’s Packs – £16

The popular Punters Pack returns for this Summer Race Evening on Friday 30th August, for £16, which includes:

o Entrance to the racecourse

o A pint of Caledonia Smooth

o Racecard

o £5 win bet with Sean Graham or Pat O’Hare

o Hot Beef Roll

All Punter’s Packs MUST be purchased in advance of Friday 30th August 2013.

Taste@downroyal – £47.50 per person

Taste @down Royal is a new and unique hospitality offering at Down Royal Racecourse which incorporates the best of Northern Irish Produce along with the thrilling experience of being at the races. This relaxed dining option will be hosted in the newly refurbished Moscow Flyer Suite. This suite offers both direct access onto the grandstand overlooking the finishing straight and a balcony overlooking the Parade Ring. There is no designated seating in the suite and it is laid out in such a way to encourage you to relax and mingle with fellow racing enthusiasts as you enjoy light taster bowls of hot food served before racing. During racing the dessert and cheese tables will be open for grazing!

To summarise, the exciting new Taste @downroyal package costs £47.50 per person and includes:

· Entrance to the racecourse

· Racecard to check the runners and riders

· Premium located suite

· Taster menu showcasing the best of Northern Irish Produce including dessert and artisan cheeses.

To book or for more information on either of these packages please visit www.downroyal.com, contact the office on 02892 621 256 or email info@downroyal.com.

Entries close on Fri 7th June so there isn’t long to enter – good luck!!

The Summer Festival of Racing is a two day event featuring the Magners Derby on Saturday 22^nd June which is the most popular racing day of the summer at the Down Royal Racecourse. The action starts on Friday evening with an all national hunt card featuring the Galway Plate Trial.

Saturday’s racing is an all flat card with the feature race being the Magners Derby, with over 1000 hospitality guests, excellent racing and a best dressed lady competition this is an event not to be missed!

Saturday 22^nd June 2013 – Magners Derby Day

Taste @down Royal is a new and unique hospitality offering at Down Royal Racecourse which incorporates the best of Northern Irish Produce along with the thrilling experience of being at the races. This relaxed dining option will be hosted in the newly refurbished Moscow Flyer Suite. This suite offers both direct access onto the grandstand overlooking the finishing straight and a balcony overlooking the Parade Ring. There is no designated seating in the suite and it is laid out in such a way to encourage you to relax and mingle with fellow racing enthusiasts as you enjoy light taster bowls of hot food served before racing. During racing the dessert and cheese tables will be open for grazing!

To summarise, the exciting new Taste @downroyal package is worth £47.50 per person and includes:

• Entrance to the racecourse
• Racecard to check the runners and riders
• Premium located suite
• Taster menu showcasing the best of Northern Irish Produce including dessert and artisan cheeses.

Sample Summer Menu for Taste at Down Royal

Amuse Bouche

Smoked Glenarm Salmon, Whipped Horseradish Creams & Capers on Knotts Foccacia Bread

Bowl Foods

Crispy Belly of Rodgers Pork with Cauliflower Puree

Ewings East Coast Cod with Pea Puree and a Chunky Chip

Portavogie Prawns with Garlic and New Comber Potatoes

Prime Castlereagh Hills Beef in a Bushmills Cream with Benburb Wild Mushrooms and Horseradish Mash

North Down Vegetables in a light tempura batter, sweet & sour glaze with julienne of carrot & leek and stir- fried noodles

Cheese Table

Selection of N.I. Cheeses, chutney, apples, celery & Dittys oatmeal biscuits

( Kearney’s Ards Peninsular Lightly Veined Blue Cheese – Fivemiletown Boilie Goats Cheese – Ballyoak – Ballybrie,Coleraine Cheddar – Causeway Coast Mature Drumkeel & Dulse )

Dessert Table

Strawberry Tiramisu with Strawberry Blond Ice Cream

Mango Mousse with Fresh Pineapple

Black Forest Log, Marinated Sour Cherries, Kirsch Whipped Cream, Fresh Raspberries

Down Royal Racecourse is launching a new concept in Best Dressed Lady Competition in conjunction with The Fitzwilliam Hotel, Belfast. We want to celebrate the elegance and glamour of all entrants to the competition and celebrate style across all demographics.

With that in mind The Fitzwilliam Hotel has kindly sponsored prizes for all entrants to the competition in addition to dinner and cocktails for the six finalists. The winner will receive a trip to Paris to the Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe including return flights, 3 nights 4* accommodation, Breakfast, Hospitality Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe on Sunday 6th October and a Dinner Cruise on the Seine and £500 spending money.

Escapism is the theme of the Summer Festival and we hope that the winning outfits will reflect the glamorous, colourful world that the horse racing at Down Royal allows everyone access to. The outfits worn on Ladies Day provide the colour and panache that so many now associate with Down Royal. This is an occasion for everyone to get dressed up and celebrate racing style in a truly unique Festival setting.

The competition is open to all ladies attending Ladies Day. Gates open from 12pm on Magners Derby Day, Saturday 22nd June, with the first race starting at 2.20pm. Admission is £15 and can be bought in advance from downroyal.com or on the day of racing at the turnstiles. Hospitality options are available from £47.50, to book and get details of food outlets available on the day please go to www.downroyal.com.

Log onto www.downroyal.com to book tickets or contact the office on 028 92621256. Follow Down Royal at www.facebook.com/down-royal-racecourse or @ twitter.com/downroyal. Further information on The Fitzwilliam Hotel, Belfast can be found at www.fitzwilliamhotelbelfast.com.