WATERFORD and Tramore Racecourse has never looked better as its €1 million refurbishment continues. The new entrance building, revamped stable yard and other new facilities will be showcased to the public at the four-day August Racing Festival which kicks off on Thursday, August 16th at the seaside track.
Over 18,000 people are expected for the popular Festival which includes three consecutive evening meetings on August 16th, 17th and 18th and culminates in a family-fun afternoon on Sunday, August 19th.
The prizemoney this year is increased to €380,000 and new sponsors include Three Ireland, Pat Halley Architects, Michael Griffin Auctioneers, Creaden Head Stud, Noel Ryan Tree Surgeon, ELC Laser Group, Morris Builders DIY and McCarthys Irish Bar, Kentucky, whose owners have strong Waterford and racing connections. They join a host of long-established Waterford and Tramore businesses supporting the Festival.
The online booking system introduced last year on www.tramore-racecourse.com is very successful, allowing racegoers to avoid queues and snap up discounts by booking in advance.
The August Racing Festival is about more than racing and this year’s event will include the Waterford Chamber and Tramore Chamber of Tourism and Commerce ‘Craic at the Track’ social evening in the marquee on Friday. Fashionistas will especially enjoy Saturday evening and this year’s Style Evening judge is Marietta Doran. She has the task of choosing nine finalists and an overall winner at this year’s event sponsored by House of Waterford Crystal and Redlane.ie. The prize fund is €3,500.
Racecourse manager Sue Phelan says that a whole new generation of racegoers are enjoying the new facilities. “The Festival Marquee is very much the place to be for all on Style Saturday evening as over 50 fashionistas will enjoy a complimentary Thin Gin Cocktail – The Graun Hill Thrill! We are delighted to team up once again with House of Waterford Crystal and Redlane.ie and this year we are including a €1,000 cash prize for the winner.”
There is music after racing each evening from No Limits, The Strobes and Brand New Cadillac and the festival concludes on Sunday when children of all ages are welcome to come along and enjoy a fun-filled afternoon of entertainment.
There was a special attraction at the launch of the Festival recently. A young pony who was riddled with worms, covered in sores and left tied up in a field belonging to the racecourse has been transformed into a ‘Black Beauty’ after Sue Phelan rescued the now six-year-old. The aptly named ‘The Life Of Reilly’ took to the limelight like a pro.
“He was in really bad shape when I found him tied up just across the road and it’s been a long journey since April 2014. He’s tried and tested my patience on many occasions and has cost me a small fortune but to see him looking so well now has made it worthwhile. He is headstrong and full of his mischief. When I took him in he was afraid of people and well able to kick, but over time he has improved beyond all recognition and is now loving the attention and has become a veritable VIP – very important pony. He even has his own Facebook page.
“He’s made a few appearances at the Go Racing School Days here at the racecourse and I’m even hoping that if he behaves himself he will be here for our Family Fun Day and that we can parade him on what is typically one of the busiest days on the summer programme for us.”
To follow The Life Of Reilly and keep up to date on his progress and his VIP appearances, log on to https://www.facebook.com/VeryImportantPony/