DOWN Royal racecourse has secured a new partnership with soft drinks brand Britvic which will not only see Britvic Northern Ireland become the track’s exclusive soft drinks partner but the company’s Club Mixers brand is to be the official sponsor of the May Day meeting on Monday, May 2nd.

“We are thrilled to partner with such a dynamic soft drinks company as Britvic and are excited to grow the relationship both on and off the track,” said Claire Rutherford, Down Royal’s Director of Sales & Marketing.

“Britvic’s brands are steeped in history, and they share our passion for helping people to enjoy life’s everyday moments.

“We are always looking to work with local brands who share our commitment to developing authentic and elevated experiences for racegoers and the Club Mixers brand is the perfect fit for us.

“Through this new partnership we hope to enhance the race-going experience and give people an extra reason to visit Down Royal and to keep coming back.”

Brian Greer, Marketing Manager, Club Mixers said: “We are very excited about this new partnership with Down Royal which gives us a perfect platform to showcase the attributes of heritage, quality and reliability associated with our Club Mixers portfolio.

“We look forward to engaging with the thousands of avid racegoers who attend the racecourse throughout the year and to encourage them to explore the expertly crafted Club Mixers range which are the perfect accompaniment to a wide range of popular gins, vodkas, whiskeys or delicious on their own.”

JOHN McConnell’s support of Downpatrick racecourse was repaid by the track this week when its Facebook page advertised a competition being run by the Co Meath trainer.

McConnell, who saddled three winners at Downpatrick last August, has been enjoying an excellent run of late and you have a chance of joining him for a morning on the gallops and more by going to his Facebook page, John C. McConnell Racing, and following the instructions.

Best do so immediately as the winner is to be announced tomorrow.