THIS week’s Association of Irish Racecourses (AIR) column looks ahead to the meeting at Downpatrick Racecourse, which is set to take place next weekend on Saturday, June 17th and Sunday, June 18th.

Racing falls nicely in the calendar this year for them with the Sunday fixture being held on Father’s Day.

Perhaps tickets to the races, or a trip to include a family table in one of their many suites, might solve your gift requirements this year.

The Brownlow Suite hospitality package is a superb Father’s Day idea. The location offers exceptional, elevated views of the racetrack and finishing post. The package includes a prosecco reception on arrival, followed by a delicious three-course lunch served with tea and coffee. A celebrity tipster will visit the suite to guide you through the card prior to racing, and there are ample tote betting and bar facilities available throughout the day. Live music after racing is always a crowd pleaser, and really finishes off the day in style.

Another interesting option on offer is an upgrade from their standard general admission ticket. The ‘Marquee General Admission Ticket’ includes admission, a racecard and a reserved seat in the marquee, where there will be live music throughout the day.

Given the popularity of the racecourse and the weekend that’s in it, many of the packages are already sold out. So, if you’re interested, we suggest you book now to avoid disappointment.

You can check out all the packages and availability online at downpatrickracecourse.co.uk, or call the team on 0044 28 4461 2054. All tickets booked online will be entered into a draw for the chance to win one of five pairs of flexi admission tickets to the 2023 Galway Races Summer Festival.

Come early

Regardless of what ticket type or package you choose, patrons are advised to come along early to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy live music before racing. This is sure to set the right tone for a most enjoyable day at the races. Gates will be open from 12 noon and the first will go to post at 1.45pm each day.

Richard Lyttle, Downpatrick’s manager said: “We are looking forward to a wonderful two days of racing, and I would like to sincerely thank our sponsors across the weekend; Randox, Tennents NI, Dunlop Homes, Cab Plant, Tote, Adare Manor and the EBF. Without their support we simply could not put on this great show, on and off the track!”

A great show indeed, promising a superb day out for all the family with lots of entertainment, bouncy castles, face painting and spot prizes. There will also be a fantastic racecard draw run over the two days, offering the chance to win £300 worth of vouchers to be used towards hospitality or tickets to Downpatrick during the remainder of the 2023 season. Furthermore, there will be live music before and after racing throughout the enclosure.

Family fun day

The team at Downpatrick also would like to take this opportunity to say that they are very much looking forward to their famous Family Fun Raceday on Thursday, July 13th. It will offer a vast array of children’s activities.

Follow Downpatrick Racecourse on Facebook to keep up to the minute with information.

The Association of Irish Racecourses would like to wish Richard Lyttle and all his team at Downpatrick the very best of luck with their upcoming summer racemeetings. If you can come along to support them, please do. You will find full details and all racing information on their website and on social media platforms.