AS the summer months approach, the team at Clonmel Races has a very exciting evening of racing ahead on Friday, June 9th, when they will host their Bulmers BBQ Race Evening at Powerstown Park for the second year running.

The barbecue package is back with a bang, and offers remarkable value at €30 per person. It includes admission, a racecard, barbecue meal and a €5 Tote betting voucher. The meal consists of a gourmet burger served in a toasted brioche bun, or an artisan hot dog, served with tossed salad, sauteed potatoes, coleslaw, and penne pasta salad. It will be served from 6.15pm until 7.30pm, and is set to be a real crowd pleaser.

Not to forget the racing! A seven-race National Hunt card is in store, with the first race off at 5.10pm, making it the ideal after-work start to the weekend. Bulmers is supporting no less than four races on the card, with the feature race being the Bulmers Zero (QR) Handicap Steeplechase, which goes to post at 7.25pm.

The Clonmel Racecourse Supporters Club has also offered their bar and balcony viewing area to the public for the night. It is a marvellous opportunity for anyone considering membership of the club to mingle, and get a feel for the facilities at the racecourse.

Back by popular demand to draw the evening to a close, The Legends will be returning to play in the Club Stand Bar after racing. A shuttle bus will be in operation from the racecourse to the town centre from 9pm until 11.30pm.

With the barbecue package being in huge demand, the team at Clonmel recommends booking your package early, as it is likely to sell out well before raceday. General admission will be available on the day, costing adults €15, students and OAPs €10, while children under 16 go free when accompanied by an adult. There will be ample food offerings on the night also.

Marketing manager, Eugene Cooney, commented: “We are thrilled to see a huge interest in our Bulmers BBQ Evening. Last year was a great success and we have high hopes for another great raceday. This is the third of our evening meetings, and the first two went very well. We were delighted to have the support of Botanica International, Camida, Talbot Hotel Clonmel, Tote Ireland, Adare Manor and Cliona’s Foundation for those meetings, and Bulmers for our upcoming meeting. We hope to see our regular faces and some new ones when we open the gates on June 9th.”

Refurbishments

With many of their refurbishment plans complete, it is a case of much done and lots to do at Powerstown Park as Clonmel continue enhancing their facilities further. The construction of a new weigh room commences towards the end of 2023. Planning is due for submission shortly, and the building will be located on the turnstile side of the parade ring, creating a better connect with the racing public.

Work on the new irrigation system will also start during 2023, with completion anticipated in the first quarter of 2024. Both projects will see an investment of €1.8 million.

Speaking of the development, DJ Histon, manager of Clonmel, said: “I’m pleased to report that the new development and refurbishment projects have been very well received by the industry.

“Projects are supported by Horse Racing Ireland’s Capital Development Fund, and our exciting weigh room project will be our next major project here at Clonmel Races.”

For further information, tickets and barbecue booking instructions, visit clonmelraces.ie