Cheltenham trials day to unearth new talent
This week’s Association of Irish Racecourses (AIR) column concerns one of the biggest National Hunt race meetings at Naas, the BetVictor Festival Trials Day which takes place next Sunday, February 27th.
As BetVictor continue to grow their support of Irish racing, they are now taking over the sponsorship of one of Naas Racecourse’s key National Hunt fixtures, the Festival Trials Day. The first race on the day will go to post at 2.30pm.
Many trainers will target the fixture at Naas which features the Grade 3 BetVictor Chase, won in 2020 by the Ted Walsh-trained and Aintree Grand National hope Any Second Now, and last year by Cilaos Emery representing Willie Mullins. The feature on next weekend’s card will be the Grade 2 BetVictor Novice Hurdle, which saw Echoes In Rain beat Belfast Banter last year before both horses went on to win Grade 1 races at the Punchestown Festival and Aintree Grand National meeting respectively.
Fantastic
Sam Boswell of BetVictor said: “It’s fantastic to be backing Irish racing once again with sponsorship of several key fixtures in the lead up to the Cheltenham Festival, including at Naas on February 27th, which is a traditionally a very strong card. We are also looking forward to seeing BetVictor ambassador Rachael Blackmore in the winner’s enclosure at one of our forthcoming meetings before she heads to Cheltenham in the spring, having been crowned top jockey at the Festival last March.”
Eamonn McEvoy, manager of Naas Racecourse added: “We are delighted to have BetVictor back as a major sponsor here at Naas Racecourse for such an important race day in our calendar. We know that trainers will be targeting these races with all the other major spring Festivals in mind, so it is brilliant to have an industry sponsor on board. I’m sure this meeting will unearth more future Grade 1 winners.”
There are a variety of hospitality packages to suit all requirements at Naas Racecourse; be it a reserved table in the Panoramic Restaurant, afternoon tea or a buffet option in their private suites.
Panoramic view
The Panoramic Restaurant is located on the first floor of the grandstand, and this is at the heart of racing action. You can enjoy the races from the comfort of your own reserved table while overlooking the racecourse. However, it is important to stress that the Panoramic Restaurant must be pre-booked in advance.
Panoramic Restaurant packages are available from €72 per person with a discounted rate for owners. The package includes your admission to the races, a racecard, a three-course meal with specialty tea and coffee and your table is reserved for the day for your use only.
Private suites are also available and are located on the second floor of the grandstand. The racecourse has a range of suites that can cater for groups ranging in size from 10 up to 80 people, and each suite has a balcony view overlooking the track. Betting facilities are also within easy access to all private suites.
For more information on hospitality options or private suites, call the team at Naas straightaway on 045 897391. Hospitality packages and race day tickets from as little as €15 can also be purchased online at NaasRacecourse.com
By Leo Powell
