Down Royal On Course To Have a ‘WKD’ Festival of Racing
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 31st 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 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-
