Bookings are strong for popular meeting
The Association of Irish Racecourses (AIR) is shining a spotlight on Sligo Racecourse ahead of their upcoming two-day summer meetings on Wednesday 9th and again on Thursday 10th of August.
Wednesday is Diageo Day, a great excuse to come out and enjoy an evening at the races with family and friends. The opening race on the card, The Rockshore Lager Claiming Race of €10,500 goes to post at 5:05pm and the evening is set to be filled with great racing action, thanks to sponsors Diageo & The Irish European Breeders Fund.
Sligo Racecourse Manager, Kathryn Foley said, “We are looking forward to our annual two-day Meeting. We start on Diageo Day with a seven-race flat card, The feature race being The Irish Stallion Farms EBF Connacht Oaks Fillies Handicap of €26,000. A big thank you to our sponsors on the day, Diageo and the Irish European Breeders Fund.
“Traditionally, this meeting is well attended by the farming community in the area, and we hope to see them and many more flat race enthusiasts on the evening.”
Social event
This is followed by Ladies Day, the Social Event of the year at Sligo Races, on Thursday, August 10th. Once again, huge crowds and glamour to beat the band are expected. Fashion guru Marietta Doran will be in attendance, and as usual, she will give kudos to anyone who has made the effort as she judges.
If you fancy your chances in the Ladies Day competition, please note there is no formal application to enter. If you are spotted by Judge Marietta Doran you will receive a wristband and be invited to the Marquee for a glass of bubbly and there you can celebrate being selected. Ten finalists will be chosen, interviewed on stage and the competition begins in earnest.
The runners-up will receive a selection of lovely prizes from Newbridge Silverware, along with a bottle of prosecco to fule celebrations. This year’s overall winner will take home a voucher for a bespoke outfit from Roisin Linnane, a Flying Lesson at Sligo Airport sponsored by Sligo Aeronautical Club, a beautiful Vintage Newbridge Silver Canteen of Cutlery, a cash prize from Sligo Races along with a bottle of prosecco and gifts from Newbridge Silverware.
Delighted
Judge Marietta Doran commented, “I am delighted to be back judging at Sligo this year, it is my fifth year judging at the track, and it’s always such a fantastic evening. I can’t wait to see all the fashion on the day and meet all the ladies. When adjudicating, I look for head-to-toe style, colour and something a little different. I have such a love for fashion myself so I am really looking forward to seeing all the style on the evening. A huge thank you to Kathryn Foley of Sligo Races for inviting me back again this year.”
Meanwhile, on the track on Thursday, seven National Hunt races will be going to post, with the entire card sponsored by local businesses. Early booking is advised, with hospitality packages flying out the door, while the corporate rooms are booked to capacity. It is advised to arrive early, with gates opening at 3 pm on both days with live music in the bar after racing.
AIR wish Kathryn and all the team at Sligo Races the very best ahead of their upcoming meeting. For more information and to book tickets visit countysligoraces.com.
New Home
The Association of Irish Racecourses has moved office to Trident House, Dublin Road, Naas, Co. Kildare. If you wish to contact the association, their telephone numbers and email address are unchanged and fully operational.
