SPACE restraints last week prevented us carrying this computer generated image of what the refurbished main bar will look like when Down Royal opens its gates for the Northern Ireland Festival of Racing at the end of next month.

Work started on the project last Monday following the track’s final Flat meeting of the year, the Charles Hurst premier summer race evening when three of the races were sponsored by the region’s largest car retailer. Also on board as sponsors were the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders’ Fund, the Mourne Seafood Bar and Attheraces.

With good reason, racecourse manager Mike Todd is extremely proud of the new-look Co Down track. “Since 1993, Down Royal racecourse has ploughed more than £5 million into transforming the site,” he said. “We have a new grandstand, new high-end hospitality suites and the entire grounds have undergone a landscaping overhaul.

“This latest investment reinforces our commitment to providing unrivalled facilities for the thousands of people who come to our racedays, creating the most up-to-date and luxurious environment for them.”