THE Northern Ireland On-Course Bookmakers Association (NIOCBA) has been announced as an official supporter of the evening meeting at Down Royal on Friday, August 27th, when they will have exclusive naming rights for all races which have a total prize-fund of €78,000.

The track’s chief executive, Emma Meehan, said: “We are absolutely delighted to secure the support of the Northern Ireland On-Course Bookmakers Association for the very first time.

“After 18 months away, we are so pleased to welcome our bookmakers back to Down Royal as they really make the racing experience for our punters, and to have them join our elite stable of sponsors is an added bonus.”

Tommy Donnelly, Secretary of NIOCBA said: “We believe that this initiative is the first of its kind in Ireland, with seven individual members coming forward to each sponsor a race.

“We understand the difficulties which both bookmakers and racecourses have faced over the last 18 months.

“Emma Meehan and all her team at Down Royal have shown great leadership and endeavour in successfully bringing bookmakers and race enthusiasts back to the racecourse.

“The on-course bookmaker is a vital part of the race-day experience and we are determined to provide the punters with better odds, and ensure that those who want to have a bet are able to do so.

“We all look forward to a time when everyone can return and enjoy the full race-day buzz.”

WE wonder what odds the on-course bookmakers would give about Shane Webb, head groundsman at Down Royal, improving on the personal best he set over 200 metres last Wednesday week.

Representing his home club, Gowran A.C., Shane was competing at the Belfast Sprints meet where he clocked a time of 22.84secs.