The Association of Irish Racecourses column this week is all about racing over the New Year. New Year’s traditions for a lot of families includes a day at the races, and it’s a great day out that has never looked so inviting!

RACING on New Year’s Eve at Punchestown is a firm family favourite for many. In previous years, a traditional ‘ladies go free’ was always well received. Building on last year’s success with thanks to Tote Ireland, everyone goes racing free this year, so you’re on a winner before you even start!

The ever popular track-side hospitality package is available on the day, offering guests an all-inclusive experience at the home of jump racing, with a delicious four-course lunch starring alongside the on-course action.

Check out punchestown.ie for more information, tickets, and all their hospitality packages.

If you fancy a visit to the South-East this holiday season, why not get your New Year celebrations off to a flying start in the Déise County, where Tramore Racecourse host their January 1st race-meeting.

This popular fixture offers a unique blend of National Hunt racing, a great atmosphere, lots of food and beverage options and ample indoor and outdoor amenities available.

It offers racegoers a comfortable and safe New Year’s Day experience for all the family to enjoy with plenty of packages to choose from, be it the punters’ pack or the New Year’s Day Hospitality package.

Gather the gang and make it to Tramore to kick start your year. The 2024 Grade 3 Savill’s New Year’s Day Chase is set to continue to attract some of the biggest names in jumps racing.

For tickets, hospitality packages and more information visit tramoreraces.ie.

New Year’s Day at Fairyhouse is a real crowd-pleaser and a must in the diary for many local families as part of their holiday plans. It is the place to be on January 1st to meet and mingle with your fellow racegoers, catch up with old friends and make some new ones too.

This meeting offers the perfect excuse to get spruced up and go out and about for a festive flutter or two with all the family.

The feature race on a seven race card is the Grade 3 John & Chich Fowler Memorial Irish EBF Mares Chase. It is set to be an exciting day of racing and fun off the track too.

Gates are open from 10am and the first race goes to post at 11.50am, so come along early and enjoy a proper day out to start 2024 in style.

For more information, tickets and hospitality packages visit www.fairyhouse.ie.

Happy New Year

The Association of Irish Racecourses would like to wish the teams at Punchestown, Tramore and Fairyhouse Racecourses the very best of luck with their upcoming fixtures. AIR would also like to take this opportunity to wish all their members, industry stakeholders, suppliers, valued patrons and readers of The Irish Field, every good wish for the New Year.