DOWN Royal staged its two-day festival last week with its usual style and efficiency with excellent car-parking arrangements and outstanding racecards which even had a report and pictures of Friday’s feature races clearly printed on the Saturday card. Take a bow the brains behind that operation.

Gigginstown took the racing honours but colourful owner Michael O’Leary was absent and was missed by his northern fans.

Ladies and gents turned on the style and ladies sure are hardy up north to turn out in their finery in a biting wind.

On the Friday of the meeting, the fashion action saw Glenda McStravick from Lisburn named the WKD best dressed lady, winning an Ultimate Night Out package which included samples of WKD and its new packaging designed to celebrate the brand’s 20th anniversary.

General manager at Down Royal, Mike Todd, said: “In recent years, Down Royal has established itself not only as a premier sporting destination in Northern Ireland but also the venue of choice for corporate and social days out alike.

“Our first class facilities, coupled with some of the most exhilarating horse racing in Ireland sees thousands of both seasoned and first time racegoers from across the country flock to the Festival.”

Trinity holds an equestrian ball

THIS year Trinity College Equestrian Club and Horse Racing Society have decided to team up and have organise a ball to fundraise for both clubs.

Racing and riding enthusiasts will hopefully turn out in numbers and other college equestrian clubs have also been the invitation, from UCC, DCU, UCD, and DIT, to name a few.

The ball is taking place this week in Cafe En Seine, Dublin, this Wednesday, November 16th and the dress code is ‘A night at the Races with a touch of Tweed!’

Baby on the way

for Nina and Ted

GREAT news from Nina Carberry and her husband Ted Walsh after Nina tweeted: “I am going to miss the rest of the season as I am delighted to announce that I am expecting my first baby.

“I would like to thank all the owners and trainers who have supported me and I wish them every success in the season ahead.”

Nina is 32 and has been champion amateur twice. She has ridden over 400 winners, including five Cheltenham Festival winners and won the 2011 Irish Grand National on Organisedconfusion.