DOWNPATRICK hosted a pre-racing reception in the Brownlow Suite last Friday to acknowledge the input of sponsors old and new, the directors and stewards.

In addressing those present, racecourse chairman Peter Stewart commented on a season of “good weather, good racing, good attendances and good craic.”

He thanked all the sponsors, ground and bar staff and his fellow directors. He also congratulated Richard Lyttle on another good year, saying to the racecourse manager: “You continue to surprise us.”

In reply, Richard commented that he would like to reiterate all that the chairman had said and added that the annual attendance grew by 5,000 and that there were 27 new race sponsors in 2017. He spoke of a proposed weeklong Festival as goodwill between the town of Downpatrick and the racecourse grew and said that the track continues to work on upgrading its facilities to the benefit of everyone.

Lyttle finished by asking those present to head down to the hospitality marquee where they would join the 100-plus guests of British amateur Sam Waley-Cohen, chief executive officer of Portman Dental, sponsors of the fourth race, the two and a quarter-mile handicap hurdle.

The prizes for their races were presented by Laura Gallagher and Tony McLoughlin who had been judged the best dressed winners among the Portman Dental guests by Nicola and Sinead who ran a Shortcross Gin pre-racing reception in the hospitality marquee.

William Flood presented the prize following the INH Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle and Peter Dease, course assistant at Wetherby, kindly did likewise after the opening Can You Believe Its October Maiden Hurdle.

Fintan Sharvin, sales representative at the local Downpatrick Branch, presented the prize following the J.P. Corry Building Suppliers Hurdle, and brothers Frankie, Brian and Paddy Fitzsimmons presented the Frank Fitzsimmons Memorial trophy to the owners of Canny Tom.

This writer went home with a very special Downpatrick Racecourse mug!