Busy Navan programme before Christmas
In this week’s Association of Irish Racecourses (AIR) column, as the National Hunt season moves up a gear, we are delighted to feature Navan Racecourse. The Co Meath venue has no less than four cracking fixtures to look forward to between now and Christmas.
With the easing of restrictions here in Ireland, this is what visitors to Navan Racecourse can expect over the coming weeks. All admission tickets must be booked online in advance of racing at navanracecourse.ie. This will make access seamless on the day and facilitate the contract tracing protocol. Patrons are advised to simply print off their tickets or use their smartphones to gain access at the turnstiles.
For those who wish to book hospitality, simply call the racecourse and, subject to availability, the team at Navan will handle your booking.
Once patrons are admitted through the turnstiles there will be a designated indoor access check-in area where covid vaccine certificates and IDs are checked. After that wristbands will be issued to all racegoers who wish to use indoor facilities throughout the day.
Racing for many is an outdoor event for the most part and the key message from the team at Navan is that it will be an enjoyable, comfortable, and safe raceday experience for all in attendance.
A large marquee complete with a bar and live music will be accessible to all, while the usual social distancing guidelines will be in place. With plenty of unreserved seating, the marquee is ideally located adjacent to the bookies ring, parade ring and the viewing stands, offering a sheltered and comfortable outdoor raceday experience option.
Options galore
The Kilberry self-service restaurant is open to all patrons and the usual guidelines apply. A wide variety of options are available on the menu for those with wristbands to enjoy indoor dining, and takeaway options are available also.
On Sunday, November 7th Navan will stage their Fortria Chase Day and the highlight on the card, the Grade 2 Fortria Chase, will certainly not disappoint. The Ladbrokes Troytown Chase day on November 21st needs no introduction and is always a firm favourite amongst avid jumping fans. It is popular with the ladies too as it hosts the track’s Winter Ladies Day style stakes. An extra special meeting this year celebrating 100 years of racing at Navan Racecourse, this is certainly a date for your diary.
The Bective restaurant package is certainly worth noting for racing in November. Keenly priced at €70 per adult and €20 per child, this package includes admission, racecards, a four-course lunch, bar and betting facilities, racecourse viewing and a reserved table for the day.
Christmas theme
Saturday, December 4th and 18th will each offer a Christmas theme for racegoers to enjoy. Alongside the quality National Hunt action, there will be a festive feel with carol singers, Christmas gift stands and special Christmas Cracker packages available in the restaurant for those who fancy something a little different for their Christmas Party this year.
Aidan McGarry, racing manager at Navan, said: “We have worked hard behind the scenes to work within the guidelines, yet do everything in our power to create a comfortable and enjoyable raceday experience for our valued patrons, sponsors and the wider racing industry. The entire team is very much looking forward to welcoming everyone back to Navan over the coming weeks for some top-class racing action.”
For further information on all upcoming race meetings and packages visit www.navanracecourse.ie or call 046 9021350. The Association of Irish Racecourse would like to wish all the team at Navan Racecourse, and indeed all our member racecourses, the very best of luck with their upcoming fixtures.
By Leo Powel
