This week we caught up with DJ Histon and Eugene Cooney in Clonmel Racecourse where a new stable-block build and additional refurbishments to the stable-yard have been completed.

The feedback has been very positive, with plans in place for the facelift to facilities to continue. Next on the agenda is a new weigh-room, pressroom, stewards’ room and industry canteen area, and there are many more additional projects in the pipeline to follow.

Clonmel’s manager DJ Histon said: “I’m pleased to report that the new development and refurbishment project has been very well received by the industry. Essentially, it means we can now accommodate one horse per stable for an eight-race programme comfortably. We have enjoyed two eight-race programmes this season with ease. The project was supported by Horse Racing Ireland’s Capital Development Fund, and we have plans in motion for our weigh-room project, which will be our next major work here at Clonmel.”

Before they take a break from racing for the summer months, the team at Clonmel has a very exciting evening of racing ahead on Friday, June 10th, when they will host their inaugural Bulmers BBQ Race Evening at Powerstown Park.

Since 1935 the iconic Irish cider Bulmers has been produced in Clonmel, Co Tipperary. Recently the company enjoyed a staff day out at the track, where they immediately saw potential for a dedicated BBQ raceday.

Much work has taken place behind the scenes to enhance the food and beverage areas at the track and to strengthen the customer experience.

The BBQ package offers remarkable value at €28 per person. It includes admission, a racecard, a BBQ meal and a €5 Tote betting voucher. The meal consists of a gourmet burger or artisan hot dog served with tossed salad, garlic potatoes, coleslaw and penne pasta. It will be served between 6 and 7.30pm and is set to be a real crowd pleaser.

Local music group Uproar Rock Chorus, who used the facilities at the racecourse to rehearse safely during Covid, will be performing as a thank you to the racecourse for their support during the pandemic. Drawing the evening to a close, racegoers will be entertained by the popular musical duo Legends, who will be returning to play live in the Club Stand Bar after racing.

Supporters Club

Ample outdoor and indoor seating is available. The Supporters Club has also kindly offered their bar and balcony viewing area to the public for the night. It is a marvellous opportunity for anyone considering membership of the Supporters Club to get a feel for the club facilities at the racecourse.

Not forgetting the racing, a seven-race National Hunt card is on offer, with the first race off at 5pm. This makes it the ideal after-work start to the weekend. Eugene Quirke uPVC Windows Clonmel will sponsor at the meeting, alongside Bulmers who are supporting four races on the card. Admission for adults is €15, students and OAPs is €10, and children under 16 go free if accompanied by an adult.

Clonmel’s marketing manager, Eugene Cooney, told this column: “Sales are going well and there is great interest in our new Bulmers BBQ Evening. It is an opportunity to welcome social racegoers to Clonmel, many of who will be joining us for the first time, and that’s very exciting. We are fortunate to have so many loyal patrons here at Clonmel, and I would particularly like to thank our Supporters Club who are such an important part. Opening up their facilities to the public on the evening is a superb gesture and we hope they attract some new members as a result of their goodwill.”

For further information, tickets and BBQ booking instructions, visit www.clonmelraces.ie.