GALWAY Racecourse had a delayed launch of their exciting three-day October Festival that takes place over the Bank Holiday weekend, Saturday 26th to Monday 28th. The meeting offers fantastic horse racing, live music, delicious hospitality, entertainment and the meeting of old friends and new at Ballybrit.

Last year Galway Racecourse approached The National Breast Cancer Research Institute, an Irish charity, to host a dedicated fundraiser for them as October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. The event was such a success, and received a huge ground swell of support, that it raised €95,000 for the charity.

This year both organisations have teamed up again for their ‘Race in Pink’ fundraising day on Sunday, October 27th and to date have sold over 55 tables.

There are many ways to support this day, including buying a ‘Win a BMW’ raffle ticket for just €20, or buying an item at the auction conducted by local auctioneer James Heaslip.

Monday, October 28th sees the return of the annual ‘Student Race Day’ in conjunction with NUIG Rugby Club and Voluntary Services Abroad, a medical aid charity run by the fourth-year medical students of NUI, Galway. This is always a popular day and already advance tickets sales are strong.

Speaking at the launch, Galway Racecourse general manager Michael Moloney said: “We’ve had a very special year, particularity with it being our 150th anniversary. Galway Racecourse holds a very special place in people’s hearts.”

Over the three days racegoers can enjoy mouth-watering action on and off the track. Special mention for the all-inclusive hospitality package at €70, which includes a four-course lunch in the panoramic restaurant. Adult admission on all three days is €15 with children under 16 years of age, accompanied by an adult, free. For more information please check out the website galwayraces.com

Down Royal ready

DOWN Royal Racecourse also held a launch recently in the magnificent Hillsborough Castle and the event was attended by industry stalwarts, sponsors, supporters of Down Royal and the media.

The upcoming two-day Festival on November 1st and 2nd is the highlight of the racing calendar at Down Royal. The recent announcement of a new six-figure deal to secure sponsorship of the November Festival, sees Ladbrokes supporting the Grade 1 Champion Chase on Saturday 2nd.

A video featuring last year’s Grade 1 Champion Chase winning trainer and jockey, Noel Meade and Sean Flanagan, and presented by racing commentator Richard Pugh, was premiered at the event. A panel discussion was hosted by Des Scahill and featured jockeys Keith Donoghue and Sean Flanagan.

Racegoers can expect to see some big name runners at the Festival, including the Gordon Elliott-trained Samcro in the beginners chase, and he hopes to run Delta Work against the Paul Nicholls-trained Clan Des Obeaux in the feature.

General admission is £15 and tickets are available at the turnstiles on arrival. Children under 16 go free and free car parking is available. To book tickets please visit downroyal.com