AFTER a recent spate of weather warnings across the country, racecourses are relieved to see calm forecasts as we approach the festive season, with Down Royal, Leopardstown and Limerick in their final preparations for Christmas fixtures.

“The forecast is looking pretty solid now from here until the end of the Festival, so we think everything will be fine,” Michael Lynch, chief executive of Limerick Racecourse, reported ahead of the track’s four-day meeting from December 26th to 29th.

“I think we’re ahead of last year in terms of our preparation,” he continued. We’ve been working hard on the sales side of it and the track has held up well considering the amount of rain we’ve had.”

The Guinness 00 Faugheen Novice Chase, the sole Grade 1 held in Munster, is the feature race on the penultimate day of Limerick’s Christmas Festival, and will be run over two miles and five furlongs for the first time this year, up from two miles and three furlongs.

On other changes to this year’s fixture, Lynch commented: “Meghan Scully is with us on the 27th and Frankie Foster’s with us on the 28th. Frankie Foster in particular will be very familiar to the racing fraternity.

“Social media is so important nowadays, we’re working really hard on that side of it. The 26th is our biggest and busiest day, so we’re looking to grow the numbers on that date and across all four days.”

Hospitality sold out

On the subject of numbers, Paul Dermody, CEO of HRI Racecourses, is pleased with sales ahead of Leopardstown’s Christmas Festival on December 26th to 29th. “Last year’s Christmas Festival attracted a total attendance of 62,748, and we are seeing very healthy demand again this year,” Dermody reported a week ahead of the four-day meeting.

“Ticket sales are tracking similar to last year’s levels, and hospitality is sold out across the four days, which we are thrilled about. The track is looking excellent,” he added.

Given the competitive nature of social and sporting events, Leopardstown are constantly reviewing the customer experience, Dermody continued: “We are continuing to place a strong focus on customer service and the overall racegoer experience. Last year, we invested significantly in improving bar queues and toilet facilities, which are critical factors in whether people enjoy their day and feel they have received value for money.

“This year, we are installing a 45m x 20m marquee featuring a 40m bar, and the addition of a Skippio fast-track bar will allow racegoers to spend more time watching the racing and socialising with friends rather than waiting in queues. We are also investing in additional toilet facilities in public areas.

“There will be course-wide entertainment to help take pressure off the main marquee, offering greater variety and ensuring a more comfortable experience for everyone on track.”

Rising costs in all areas for consumers has also increased challenges for racecourses, as well as other venues, and Leopardstown have acted with this in mind. “A significant change implemented by HRI Racecourses this year is the increase in the age limit for free child admission, with children now going racing free up to under 15,” Dermody reports.

“In addition, student pricing for those aged 15 and over will now be aligned with senior citizen Festival prices.”

Working a busy day during a public holiday might sound like torture to some, but Down Royal Racecourse CEO Emma Meehan-McCoy reveals she enjoys it. “It’s actually a great joy to work on Boxing Day, I thoroughly enjoy it, though not so much the four o’clock start!” she said ahead of the Bar 1 Betting Boxing Day Race meeting on December 26th.

Significantly attended

“It’s always significantly attended. It’s a really traditional family destination, for those that are domiciled in the locality and people coming home for Christmas. So, it’s a wonderful, spirited day.”

Vibes are positive with a week to go, Meehan-McCoy continues: “We have tremendous uptake in terms of sales, and hospitality sold out six weeks ago, which is absolutely tremendous, and our general mission has definitely seen quite a significant uplift on last year.

“Everything’s going to plan, and the wind has died down. We’re nearly there in terms of setup, which is a strong position to be in, in advance of next week. The weather pattern doesn’t look like it’s in any way concerning, thankfully.”

Bar 1 Betting’s first year as sponsors is an endorsement of the fixture’s popularity and success, but the Down Royal team is not resting on their laurels, judging by Meehan-McCoy’s comments. “It’s very welcome to have them at what is arguably one of our flagship race meetings, in terms of attendance,” she said.We have an additional marquee up to act as an open structure, which will be first come first served. There’s quite an expensive bar unit within that, and additional toilets. We’ve taken different measures around the enclosure to make sure that any sort of queuing or anything is negated. We’ve enhanced our level of public provisions to make sure that people have a comfortable day out.”