THE Downpatrick Racecourse team are working hard ahead of the track’s opening meeting, featuring the Randox Ulster National, taking place on Sunday March 20th.

The Ulster National is one of the most historic races in the racing calendar. Run over three miles and four furlongs, with the first running taking place in 1939, the Randox Ulster National has an illustrious history. The race has been a stepping stone towards the Randox Grand National having supplied winners such as Laffy, Caughoo and Pineau De Re.

Turnstiles

Preparation is in full swing to welcome the public back through the turnstiles, gates will open at 12am. On the day there will be a seven-race card and with the racing action getting underway at 2.10pm. There will be live music before and after racing, spot prizes and plenty of attractions on the day for people of all ages.

An early bird ticket promotion runs until February 28th – tickets are priced at £16 – this includes fast-tracked access and a complimentary race card on the day. All online pre-booked tickets, bought before March 18th are in with a chance to win admission to this year’s Randox Grand National at Aintree.

Richard Lyttle, racecourse manager said: “We are delighted to have Randox, world leaders in healthcare diagnostics, as our title sponsor of the prestigious Ulster National. We very much look forward to welcoming the racing public back on our big day.”

Tickets can be purchased at www.downpatrickracecourse.co.uk.

RACING photographer Pat Healy discovered this photo of 10 retired jockeys riding in a charity race at Gowran Park in 1978. Pat thought it would be perfect to publish it to coincide with Connolly’s Red Mills day today. Pat put the photo on social media during the week and now we can reveal the names for those who were stumped, but no doubt you clever readers had them all sorted in no time.