THE Dundalk-headquartered independent bookmaking firm BoyleSports, which is expanding its physical presence in Britain with a large number of high street retail units, is to sponsor the two feature races at Down Royal’s Summer Festival of Racing next Friday and Saturday, June 17th and 18th.

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On what will be the track’s first meeting without any restrictions since their three-year investment deal was signed before the Covid-19 pandemic, this partnership gives BoyleSports exclusive naming rights to the BoyleSports Ulster Derby (Premier Handicap) and the BoyleSports Ulster Oaks both of which take place on the second day of the festival, which has a total prize fund of £170,000.

“We are absolutely delighted to finally be able to activate this sponsorship to its full level after two years of Covid restrictions,” commented Emma Meehan, chief executive of Down Royal.

“The support of Ireland’s largest independent bookmaker BoyleSports through our ‘behind closed doors’ period was critical to the continuation of racing here at Down Royal and we are extremely grateful to them.

“I am excited that the day is fast heading for a sell-out with a record crowd expected.

“With the backing and investment from BoyleSports, we look forward to building a long and mutually beneficial relationship for both brands,” Meehan concluded.

BoyleSports, a family-owned firm established by John Boyle, opened its first shop in Markethill, Co Armagh in 1982. The brand is now firmly established as Ireland’s largest privately owned bookmaker, boasting over 360 shops across Ireland and Britain and with an extensive online business operating under the BoyleSports.com brand.

Leon Blanche, Head of Communications at BoyleSports said: “After two years of racing behind closed doors, we are thrilled to be continuing our sponsorship of the Summer Festival of Racing in front of spectators for the very first time.

“Our investment in local horse racing reaffirms our support of not only the sport, but the owners, trainers and jockeys involved, and provides us with the opportunity to promote the BoyleSports brand to a diverse audience.

“We are looking forward to an action-packed weekend of some top-class racing.”