BELLEWSTOWN Racecourse is expecting to welcome thousands of racegoers through its gates next Tuesday, when the track begins a two-day meeting to mark its 300th anniversary. Admission is free on Tuesday, courtesy of the Irish National Professional Bookmakers Association.

The Co Meath venue is one of the oldest racecourses in Europe, having staged its first recorded meeting in 1726.

“These celebrations have been a year in the making, and it’s coupled with the extension of our weigh room,” manager Jessica Cahalan told The Irish Field. “We need to facilitate for the increased number of jockeys, and especially the increased number of lady riders that we have.”

Bellewstown has also built a new restaurant named 1726, which will host some special guests on Tuesday. “We’ve got Minister Heydon, Cathaoirleach Sarah Reilly, [HRI chief executive] Suzanne Eade, a number of other ministers and lots of racing personalities joining us,” Cahalan added. There will also be a vintage horse-drawn carriage display up the home straight, and the Julianstown Youth Orchestra will perform throughout racing on Tuesday.

Wednesday is billed as a family day. Cahalan said: “Family day is really important to me. I have a 10-year-old daughter, and she rates the racecourses by what they do for kids. I love being able to put on the bouncy castles, face-painting and colouring competitions.

“There’s also free ice cream for the first 100 children and a treasure hunt around the racecourse. It’s hugely important to encourage as many families and kids to come racing.”

Storytelling

Over the two days, displays celebrating 300 years of racing will be located around the racecourse, along with historical storytelling and memorabilia where racegoers can learn about the rich history of the track, such as its official recognition by King George III in 1780.

George Tandy, former Mayor of Drogheda and brother of the famous United Irishman Napper Tandy, successfully persuaded the King to attend the races.

He was so impressed by the quality of the turf and the scale of the gathering that he sponsored a “His Majesty’s Plate” prize worth £100.

The atmosphere on the Hill of Crockafotha was deemed so exceptional that, nearly a century later, King Edward VII (then the Prince of Wales, known affectionately as the “Playboy King” for his love of horse racing, fashion and social gatherings), declared it unmatched by any of the grand corporate racecourses in England.

Racing starts at 4.55pm on Tuesday and at 4.25pm on Wednesday. To avail of the free admission offer on Tuesday, you must register at bellewstownraces.ie