Bellewstown Racecourse is proud to announce its 300th-anniversary celebration will take place during their August Festival on Tuesday and Wednesday August 25th and 26th, officially marking three centuries of rich racing heritage on the Hill of Crockafotha.
Horse racing was first recorded at Bellewstown in 1726 and has been a staple of the Irish racing calendar even since, significantly contributing to Co Meath’s unparalleled legacy in thoroughbred breeding and racing.
The Irish National Bookmakers Association (INBA) is the official gate sponsor for the Bellewstown Racecourse 300th celebration event on Tuesday, August 25th and general admission for the race day is completely free, once patrons pre-register online at www.bellewstownraces.ie
The two-day August Festival will blend its history with new developments. To get proceedings underway on Tuesday August 25th, a vintage horse-drawn carriage will parade up the home straight, paying homage to the equestrian roots that have defined Bellewstown for three centuries.
Julianstown Youth Orchestra will perform throughout racing, adding a festive musical atmosphere to this historic milestone.
A commemorative plaque will be unveiled by special guest, Martin Heydon, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to honour the 300th anniversary.
The festival highlights include the official opening of the new 1726 Restaurant, alongside an extension to the weigh room for jockeys and officials.
Chairman Jack Gogarty and his committee members will host a special reception for local dignitaries, racing legends, racecourse sponsors and community leaders.
Day two, Wednesday August 26th will focus on junior racegoers and their families. Family day will be packed with free children’s entertainment such as bouncy castles, face painting, free ice cream for the first 100 children and a special 300th anniversary treasure hunt around the racecourse.
Over the two days displays celebrating 300 years of racing at Bellewstown will be located around the racecourse along with historical storytelling and memorabilia.