Where the surf meets the turf
The Tramore August Racing Festival takes place from Thursday next, August 11th to Sunday 14th inclusive. Tramore Races has always been a fan of themed evenings, as you will remember if you cast your mind back to the good old days of Hector, the Deise Hurlers and the horses during Sue Phelan’s reign as manager. They were great fun filled times indeed.
This year’s August Festival has something on the menu for everyone, Owen Byrne, Steph and all the team at Tramore have worked hard to combine all the essential ingredients to complement the races themselves, and ensure a great festival atmosphere.
The themes for each day are: Thursday is Horse Racing Ireland Owners’ evening, Friday is a BBQ evening with Waterford Chamber, Saturday is style evening (see Parrot Mouth for more information), while Sunday afternoon’s meeting is Dungarvan GAA Ladies Day.
Music variety
Here’s a sneak peek at the full entertainment line-up by venue, and you are guaranteed not to be disappointed! The Graun Hill Suite will host The Ducks from Thursday to Saturday, and the Centre Bar Marquee also has live music and a DJ from Thursday to Saturday inclusive.
The Festival Marquee has a different band every day, with Brand New Cadillac playing Thursday, Sleaze and Cheeze on Friday, Soul Reazon taking the stage on Saturday, and Jam Tarts playing Sunday. There is also a DJ on Saturday and Sunday in the Festival Marquee once the bands finish. This is certain to keep the après racing party going until late.
Hospitality
Tramore has two hospitality options to choose from. The Graun Hill Suite has a wonderful, corporate style offering, while the Festival Marquee presents a
less formal, hot buffet alternative.
The Graun Hill Suite package includes racecourse entry, table for the day, a three course meal and a racecard. There will be a full bar and table service in addition to bookies. Tips from a jockey will be offered every day before racing.
The Festival Marquee offering includes entry, a table for the day, a three course hot gourmet buffet and a racecard.
Again, there will be a jockey preview each day. Both options offer superb value. However, availability is limited across the four days, so for the most upto-date availability visit www.tramoreraces.ie
If you wish to attend Friday’s Chamber of Commerce or Sunday’s Dungarvan GAA Ladies event, bookings can be made at waterfordchamber.ie and fieldofdreams.ie respectively.
Admission and more!
If a reserved table is not your preference, and you’d rather be out and about, you have lots of options in addition to the usual self-service and takeaway to look forward to. There will be a tented food village with Texas BBQ, Indian, Asian and Italian foods. This should get your taste buds hopping!
Being in the thick of the action is always fun, and if you are bringing a gang, then look no further than the punter packs. They cost €39 per person,
with a discounted price of €35 if you buy 20 or more tickets. The punter pack includes raceday entry, a food voucher, drinks voucher and a racecard – all you need really to get your race day off to a great start.
So head for Tramore, where the turf meets the surf, and make the best of the summer holiday festival atmosphere.
By Leo Powell
Irish Field
