Something for lovers
Each racecourse has its own selection of gift ideas for the avid racegoer or horse racing enthusiast in your life. This week’s column is all about exploring some lovely presents for your loved one, a gift that will keep on giving well beyond February 14th.
Vouchers for tickets or flexi tickets that can be used on different dates at the races are the obvious choice for the avid racing fan at their local track, saving them the admission fees for their next visit or two. Another nice idea would be to look at the various ticket options available at racecourses, and upgrading their usual general admission ticket to a package deal or reserved access option if it’s available at the track.
Racecourse memberships, annual memberships or racegoers clubs – the names may
vary but the concept differs little up and down the country. Most racecourses nationwide offer a membership-style package which includes a range of features such as admission to all race meetings at the track for the year ahead and some added extras too, the dream gift for a racing enthusiast who loves to attend their local venue.
‘Race and Stay’ packages are widely available also, with tickets, accommodation and multiple add-on options. Why not design your very own racing getaway by combining some of these packages with other interesting excursions and activities available in the area while you’re there? Why not make this year’s Valentine’s Day gift the staycation opportunity your loved one has been waiting for?
AIR hopes that you will support Irish racecourses this Valentine’s Day, and that this feature has inspired that perfect gift idea for that someone special in your life.
Free admission for racegoers
CONNOLLY’S Red Mills is proud to announce that it will once again sponsor free admission for all racegoers at Gowran Park Racecourse on Red Mills Day, Saturday, February 18th, where the features will be the Grade 2 Red Mills Chase and the Grade 3 Red Mills Trial Hurdle. This year, Red Mills Raceday at Gowran Park Racecourse will be extra special as it marks the 115th anniversary of Connolly’s Red Mills.
As one of the most respected and well known animal nutrition brands in the world, it is fitting that this milestone will be celebrated at their local racecourse, where Joe Connolly has been chairman for over 26 years.
Racegoers can visit gowranpark.ie and register for a maximum of two complimentary tickets per person to the Red Mills Raceday. The final batch of tickets will be released next Thursday at 10am. Tickets will be limited, based on the racecourse capacity, and issued on a first come, first served basis. Tickets must be pre-registered and e-tickets either downloaded or printed for access on the day. This will be a ticket only event; no tickets will be available on the gate. There will also be complimentary tea or coffee for the first 500 racegoers, as well as live entertainment throughout the day, including music from After Dark in the Red Mills Champions Quarter. In addition, Red Mills will also sponsor the stable staff canteen and the owners and trainers’ hospitality for those with runners on the day.
The Red Mills Store Country Style Event will be centre stage in the Red Mills Style Quarter, showcasing the latest fashions from the Red Mills Store, including brands such as Welligogs, Fairfax and Favor, and Fox London. There will be prizes worth over €2,500 for the most stylish racegoer on the day.
The Association of Irish Racecourses would like to wish Eddie Scally and all the team at Gowran Park the very best of luck with their upcoming Connolly’s Red Mills Raceday.
By Leo Powell
