LANDED on my desk this week was a most attractive brochure from Down Royal. It was promoting their Summer Festival of Racing on Friday 22nd and Saturday 23rd of June. While some will be at Royal Ascot on those days, for others this will be Ireland’s equivalent when it comes to style.

The Festival will be the summer sport’s highlight for many as the racecourse hosts a weekend of racing, socialising and networking. Friday’s meeting sees an afternoon start, with the last race at 9pm. Saturday’s programme of races features the Magners Ulster Derby of €100,000, which will be followed by the €40,000 EBF Coolmore Stud Ulster Oaks Fillies Handicap. All the leading stables in Ireland will be targeting these valuable pots.