OWEN Byrne is settling in well to his role as manager of Tramore racecourse and it is a busy few weeks ahead. Thursday, December 13th is next on the cards, while waiting in the wings is the traditional New Year’s Day meeting on January 1st.

Next year is Owen’s first full racing year in charge and he is relishing the challenge. “I am already really looking forward to it. January 1st is a real social occasion and we expect in excess of 6,000 people on the day. We have a great run-in to the four-day August Festival, so we treat it like one big event. As the date gets closer I am sure the stress levels will go up!