Down Royal is under starters orders for its November Festival of Racing which will take place on November 4-5 this year.
The prestigious event will once again be sponsored by Ladbrokes and feature a total prize fund of €425,500 over the two days to ensure that the title races attract the cream of Irish racing’s runners and riders.
The two-day festival can boast an exceptional role of honour including great chasers such as Kauto Star, Beef or Salmon, The Listener, Looks Like Trouble, Florida Pearl and Don Cossack.
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Friday's action will see the richest hurdle race to take place in Northern Ireland – The WKD Hurdle – while the Ladbrokes Grade 1 Champion Chase will run on Saturday.
Emma Meehan, Chief Executive of Down Royal Racecourse said: “Down Royal is firmly on the map as one of Ireland’s premier sporting destinations and our first-class facilities, coupled with our impressive stable of sponsors and some of the most exhilarating horse racing in the country, sees thousands of seasoned and first time racegoers alike flock to the Festival.
“We have a longstanding partnership with Ladbrokes and are delighted to have the brand on board again as lead sponsor of our two-day Festival of Racing.
“Racegoers can expect to see some big name runners and riders on the racecard. The first Grade One Chase of the new National Hunt in 2021 had a field of five runners who all tasted success at the Cheltenham Festival in the past.
"Frodon and Bryony Frost held off Galvin in a thrilling finish to the Ladbrokes Champion Chase in 2021. We look forward to another strong field for 2022.
“We are anticipating a record crowd of over 10,000 punters over the two days and with the venue and track both in tip top condition, it promises to be a superb day out for all.”
Nicola McGeady, Ladbrokes Head of PR said: “Ladbrokes has a long and proud association with top-class horse racing, and we are thrilled to be back at Down Royal. Last year’s race was really special when Frodon and Bryony Frost won our race in sensational fashion, and we can’t wait to see what this year’s renewal brings.”
Friday's WKD Hurdle will carry a prize fund of €50,000. The Grade 2 Hurdle has attracted a wealth of talent to Down Royal Racecourse over the years including AP McCoy, Ruby Walsh, Davy Russell and Sean Flanagan, with last year’s race won by Jack Kennedy riding the Gordon Elliott trained Zanahiyr.
Brendan Loughran, Head of Business Unit Ireland, SHS Drinks, which owns the WKD brand, said: “WKD is delighted to be continuing its long and proud association with horse racing at Down Royal.
"The Festival of Racing is a highlight in the racing and social calendar, and we’re thrilled that WKD is once again sponsoring the Grade 2 Hurdle.”
Gates open at 11am. General admission is £20, children under 14 go free, and tickets are available at the turnstiles on arrival.
For full details on the Ladbrokes Festival of Racing or to book tickets please visit www.downroyal.com
