MANY years ago Powell family holidays included race week at Tramore, staying in the Majestic Hotel and enjoying all that was good about the seaside resort. Friendships that endure until today were formed at the time. Great memories.

I am reminded of this as the four-day racing festival is set to commence, starting on Thursday and running through to Sunday. General manager Sue Phelan is at the helm and she unveiled a host of initiatives and attractions this week.

One that really caught my eye is happening on Thursday and I was reminded of it by Godolphin Flying Start’s Clodagh Kavanagh too.

She told me: “The Women’s Irish Network for Racing (WINR) are having a race named after them in Tramore next Thursday and I will be interviewed in the parade ring by Sue Phelan. We want to encourage as many women as possible from the south east area to go racing and to meet up after the first race.

“We will have a designated area on the night where we can have a drink and make introductions, as well as get contact details from everyone who is there for future events.”

To give it its full title, Waterford & Tramore racecourse’s ongoing €1 million refurbishment, part-funded by Horse Racing Ireland, will be showcased to the public all next week. Approximately 20,000 are expected for the popular Festival which includes three consecutive evening meetings and culminates in a fun-filled, colourful, family-fun afternoon on Sunday, August 20th.

A total of 28 races will be run and the overall prizemoney this year is €380,000. New sponsors include Calor Gas, The Old Forge Bar, The Hibernian Hotel, Tramore and Seanie Colfer Construction, and they join a host of long-established, local supporters.

The August Festival is about much more than just racing and, in addition to Thursday night’s feature, corporate groups from right across the south east will flock to the course on the Friday evening, while fashionistas from all over Ireland will enjoy fashion, racing, cocktails and fun on the Saturday evening.

Sue Phelan said: “We’re so thankful to all of our generous sponsors but are particularly delighted to team up with House of Waterford Crystal and Redlane.ie to offer over €2,500 in prizes for Style Evening. We’re indebted to the local community and to our many community sponsors.

“The August Racing Festival has a very loyal following and we’re looking forward to an excellent four days of racing and fun. We’re half way through our revamp and will be showcasing our totally refurbished middle stand, commentary box and photo finish.

“The old Tote building has been totally transformed and it now includes a new bar, which is open to the public. BoyleSports has invested significant funds in the on-course bookies and we’ve added a new, online ticketing system, www.tramore-racecourse.com. After the Festival, work starts on the new entrance building, stable yard and more.”

House of Waterford Crystal’s sales and marketing director David McCoy speaks for many when he said how delighted they are to support a fantastic local event.

“House of Waterford Crystal is again delighted to support the August Racing Festival in Tramore. It is a fantastic showcase for the best in not just racing but also family-friendly entertainment and style.”

Sue assures me that she has good weather planned too and one thing is certain – if you go to this meeting, with its long tradition, you will be assured of a good time. The evening meetings also provide visitors with a great opportunity to explore the local area.

See you by the seaside!