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.

Press Eye – Belfast Northern Ireland – Saturday 23rd June 2012 – Press Release image
Summer Festival of Racing at Down Royal Racecourse – Magners Ulster Derby: Winner of the Magners Ulster Derby (Premier Handicap XXX ridden by crosses the line
Picture by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.

Friday 21st June and Saturday 22nd June: Escapism ….. capture it at Down Royal

Join us for an incredible weekend of racing, glamour and elegance. The Summer Festival of Racing, which takes place on Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd June at Down Royal Racecourse is the highlight of the summer social and racing calendar.

The Friday Evening has a real Festival feel about it, from the bands entertaining you when you walk through the turnstiles to the superb food offerings around the site to the exciting National Hunt racing on show. The highlight race of the evening is the Tote.com Galway Plate Trial, won in 2012 by Mat Hill.

On the Saturday of the Festival it’s all about the high calibre of flat racing on show, with the focal point being the Magners Derby carrying a prize fund of €100,000. Off the track, the sense of social occasion is overwhelming – Saturday is Ladies Day and The Fitzwilliam Hotel, Belfast, has kindly sponsored prizes for all entrants to the Best Dressed Lady 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, a Dinner Cruise on the Seine and £500 spending money. 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.

General admission is £12 on Friday 21st June with the first race at 5:30pm (approx.) and £15 on Saturday 22nd June with the first race at 2:20pm (approx.) which includes access to the Mourne Seafood bar at Down Royal, grandstand and all public areas on the site. Our hospitality packages start from £47.50 for an informal package at Taste@downroyal through to the hugely popular sumptuous three course meal package in the Beef or Salmon Suite at £100 +vat per person. There is a £22 Punters Pack available on Friday 21st June, including admission to the Paddock Marquee.

To book or for further information on the Summer Festival of Racing at Down Royal please go to www.downroyal.com or contact the office on 028 92621256/ info@downroyal.com. The racecourse is fully accessible for disabled persons.