WITH the weather forecast looking most favourable, this will be a great weekend to visit Listowel Racecourse and embrace its unique atmosphere.

After all, where else would you want to be but at Listowel Races today, tomorrow and Monday afternoons throughout this June bank holiday weekend? There is something for everyone on the menu, including the return of Wooly Farm for the children on Sunday, thus guaranteeing great fun for all the family at the races.

Style Stakes Sunday will be another case of winner alright, with two €500 cash prizes up for grabs for both the best dressed man and the best dressed lady. The first runner-up in each category will also receive a luxury overnight stay in the Montenotte Hotel in Cork. Judging will commence on course at 1.30pm, and the overall winners will be announced in the parade ring after the fifth race. Head judge for the event is international fashion designer Colin Horgan who will be out scouting for stylish racegoers from early in the day.

Sometimes finding time to catch up with friends is far easier said than done, so why not book a hospitality package at Listowel’s Summer Racing Festival? It might just be the perfect option for you and your mates to have a proper get together. Keenly priced at €59 per person, including admission, this hospitality option affords you an opportunity to enjoy a three-course meal with unrivalled views of the racetrack and the on-course action.

Delicious food aside, you will enjoy a glass of bubbles on arrival, along with your race card, a table reserved for the day, as well as the opportunity to enjoy Tote betting and waiter services to your table.

Been busy

Speaking ahead of the upcoming fixture, Listowel’s racecourse secretary, Brenda Daly, commented: “Naturally, we are thrilled to have this good spell of weather set to continue for our meeting this weekend, and we have been busy behind the scenes watering our course to ensure the safety of horses and riders here at Listowel.

“We have lots of outdoor facilities here which will ensure a comfortable and enjoyable day for all our patrons, and we would encourage as many families as possible to come and join us. All children under the age of 12 can come racing for free when accompanied by an adult. It really is an inexpensive ‘day out with a difference’ for people in the local community to engage with and enjoy.”

Saturday and Sunday are all flat racing cards, and Monday is a National Hunt fixture. General admission tickets are priced at €15, with discounts for students and OAPs available from €12 when accompanied by appropriate ID.

Tickets to the Listowel Summer Racing Festival are on sale now via listowelraces.ie.

Healy retires

After three years as chairman of Listowel Races, renowned photographer Pat Healy has stepped down from that position, handing over the reins to his great pal David “Classy” Fitzmaurice. Healy was the first chairman ever to serve a three-year term in the 164 years of racing at Listowel, and his contribution has been unwavering and highly commendable during this time.

The Association of Irish Racecourses would like to congratulate Pat on his tenure and to extend a warm welcome to incoming chairman David Fitzmaurice. AIR also wishes Brenda Daly and all the directors and staff at Listowel Races the very best for their upcoming meeting.