Will we see the next Minella Indo or Noble Yeats?
The Association of Irish Racecourses is delighted to highlight Wexford Races in this week’s column and it’s fair to say the venue has plenty of good news to shout about when it comes to their upcoming race days.
A two-day meeting gets under way on Sunday, October 29th with a competitive card consisting of hurdles, chases and a mares’ bumper. The feature on Sunday is the Whitford Hotel sponsored Jim & Kay Whitty Memorial Handicap Chase.
In 2022, this race was won by Optional Mix trained by Eoin Doyle, who went on to claim a win at the Limerick Christmas Festival before finishing second on Thyestes Day at Gowran Park.
Excitement
Day two is headlined by the track’s feature race of the year, the M.W. Hickey Memorial Chase (Grade 3) run over two miles and seven furlongs, which has been won by Gold Cup winner Minella Indo and Grand National hero Noble Yeats.
The race has been going from strength to strength over the past number of years, with excitement already building as to which horse will claim the 2023 renewal. This race is ably supported by maiden hurdles, a bumper and most notably The Micheal Moore Volkswagen Portarlington and Athlone Beginners Chase.
In 2022, the Athlone Beginners Chase was won by the Colm Murphy-trained Impervious before she went on to claim wins at both the Cheltenham and Punchestown Festivals.
Track improvements
Over the years, Wexford has changed from right to left handed, two furlongs were added in early 2015 and there has been many track improvements. Wexford Racecourse has really benefi tted from these improvements and enjoys the support of leading trainers and jockeys in competitive racing programmes throughout the season.
Historically, this annual October Bank Holiday two-day meeting has attracted international and eclectic racegoers as it sits in the middle of the famous Wexford Festival Opera, which coincidentally, like Wexford Racecourse, was founded in October 1951.
In more recent times, the Spiegeltent Music Festival and the Festival Fringe have been an added bonus for the racegoer, with plenty of options before and after the races to enjoy.
Back at the track, on the social side, racegoers have many options to choose from with plenty of tasty food and beverage options available.
For a more relaxed race day there are food trucks and coffee docks throughout the enclosure. For a wine and dine service why not check out the Platinum Package which includes admission, race card, lunch, private bar and your table for the day.
There are a variety of bars on-site and this year there will be the addition of the Marquee Bar with live music. Good Enuf to Eat Banqueting provide something for everyone from carvery lunch in the Ivy Room to a variety of snack options in the Paddock Café.
BoyleSports are located near the parade ring and the bookies’ ring. Many racegoers have commented that it’s the proximity of the facilities to the parade ring and stands in Wexford which makes racing there so enjoyable.
Also worth noting, on Monday 30th of the October Bank Holiday Festival, Racing TV are sponsoring free admission for any of their members and subscribers. So why not sign up to secure your free admission and enjoy a day out at Wexford Racecourse.
Tickets are available online with early bird rates until Sunday, October 29th, visit www.wexfordraces.ie to book your tickets today. For hospitality and special package requirements call 087-3828099 or email info@wexfordraces.ie.
The Association of Irish Racecourses wishes Eddie Scally, Ursula Sinnott and all the team at Wexford Racecourse the very best of luck with their two-day race meeting.
