Racing like no other
Laytown is always a special meeting as racing takes place on the beach. It is unique, being the only such meeting tun under the rules of racing in Ireland, and always attracts ample crowds of intrigued spectators, as well as horse racing enthusiasts.
This year’s event is set to take place on Laytown Strand on Thursday, September 8th, with the first race due to go to post at approximately 4:50pm. The Laytown Races 2022 launch took place on Thursday at Gilna’s The Cottage Inn. Local residents and racegoers were entertained on the evening by the much-loved and much-missed race commentator Des Scahill. He brought guests through Laytown’s plans for the race meeting on Thursday week.
Here are some of the highlights;
Food court
This September racegoers will also see an expanded food court area at the seaside track, with an improved offering, along with a new seating area which is set to be a big hit with racegoers.
The Pride of Place Maiden has become a firm favourite at Laytown since its introduction in 2019. It involves a draw where the residents of local housing estates and other local residential areas are randomly paired with one of the horses in the race.
The estate matched to the first horse home in the race will win a €400 voucher for Pat’s Nurseries, Laytown and the runner-up will win a €300 voucher for Black’s Garden Centre in Julianstown. This can be used by residents to enhance their estate or Laytown village with plants, flowers, or trees.
Representatives of the winning resident groups will be invited into the parade ring for a special presentation after the race.
The Laytown Race Committee are also teaming up with Scoil an Spioraid Naoimh and Scoil Oilibheir Naofa national schools for a colouring competition for pupils. The entries will be displayed at the races and will be judged on three age categories with three prizes for each category.
No restrictions
Chairman of Laytown Races, Joe Collins, said, “We are really looking forward to racing this September with no restrictions. The committee members and I are always keen to constantly engage with the local community and give the best experience possible to all our racegoers. So, in addition to the unique races on the beach, we are excited to introduce the new and improved food court.
“We hope the colouring competition will provide a platform where the pupils of Scoil an Spioraid Naoimh and Scoil Oilibheir Naofa can learn more about horses in a child-centred way. The Pride of Place Maiden has gone from strength to strength and allows us to give a little bit back to residents who have always been so supportive of the Laytown Races.”
For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.laytownstrandraces.ie. Laytown Races is running a draw for those who book online. If you intend to visit Laytown this September, book in advance and you could win additional tickets, free race cards and food court vouchers.
The Association of Irish Racecourses (AIR) represents those who own and/or operate Ireland’s 26 racecourses nationwide. AIR wishes all at Laytown Races the very best of luck with their upcoming meeting.
By Leo Powell
