IN this week’s Association of Irish Racecourses (AIR) column, we’re celebrating Limerick Racecourse and what promises to be a wonderful weekend of racing action and entertainment at the King John’s Castle Festival on Saturday and Sunday, October 21st and 22nd.

The iconic Limerick visitor attraction King John’s Castle is partnering up with Limerick Racecourse, lending its name to the new two-day National Hunt festival, one that is synonymous with the McNamara name.

Speaking at the festival launch, held at King John’s Castle, Tom Rudd, manager of Limerick Racecourse, said: “We are really excited to expand our hugely popular JT McNamara Ladbrokes Munster National race day into a two-day festival.

Medieval history

There is a huge appetite for top quality jump racing in Munster and with seven jump races over both days, including the addition of two listed races on Saturday, along with a supporting card of family fun and live music, we think we have the perfect sporting and social occasion to offer all our customers.

It is very special to join forces with such an iconic landmark like King John’s Castle to launch and showcase our new festival. The castle symbolises Limerick’s rich medieval history, and we hope our racing festival, like its namesake, will still be going strong 800 years from now.”

Limerick Racecourse are also delighted to be welcoming John Kiely and the 2023 All Ireland Limerick hurling team to enjoy a day of top class racing action on Sunday, October 22nd.

Saturday 21st

Day one of the ‘King John’s Castle Festival’ kicks off in fine style with seven top class National Hunt races on the card. The Irish Stallion Farms EBF Cailin Alainn Mares Hurdle of €27,500 and the Rathsallagh Country House Novice Hurdle of €25,000 are set to attract strong entries.

Sunday 22nd

Join racegoers on day two for an action-packed day at Limerick Racecourse, offering another thrilling seven National Hunt races on the card including the STL Handicap Chase worth €45,000. The feature of the day is the €100,000 Grade 3 JT McNamara Ladbrokes Munster National Handicap Chase, the pinnacle race of the festival. Great news for owners and trainers hoping to make the opening day of the festival.

Whether it’s a family occasion, a corporate event, social outing or you’re a serious punter looking for a great day’s racing, Limerick Races is the place to be. The Greenmount Restaurant Package is available from €79 per person to include admission, a racecard and delicious three course meal. Also available is the track’s Private Suite Package offering great value with prices from €65 per person.

Private suite

The Private Suite Package is perfect for planning a family reunion, meeting old friends, celebrating an occasion, then look no further than the track’s private suites.

With a great view and reserved seating, the private suites on the top level of the stand offer you a great day out. Please note a minimum of 10 people per suite is required and menus can be upgraded to suit all tastes and budgets.

Should you wish to reserve the Greenmount Restaurant or a Private Suite Package for corporate parties or larger groups, please call the office on 061-320000 or email info@limerickraces.ie to find the best fit for you and your guests.

The Association of Irish Racecourses wishes Tom Rudd and all the team at Limerick Racecourse, the very best of luck ahead of racing. To book your tickets and find out more visit limerickraces.ie.

Racing in Ireland will take for the next seven days at:

Sun Oct 15th

Cork

Naas

Mon Oct 16th

Gowran park

Tue Oct 17th

Gowran park

Weds Oct 18th

Navan

Thurs Oct 19th

Thurles

Fri Oct 20th

Dundalk

Sat Oct 21st

Leopardstown

Limerick