NAAS Racecourse is collaborating with equine nutrition company ARKequine to cater for all dietary requirements in the grooms’ canteen at the Grade 1 track.

The new menu acknowledges the diversity of stable staff and promotes inclusion in its most practical sense. Supporting the unsung heroes of the racing industry, who cater night and day to our equine superstars, has been a key goal of the Naas-ARKequine partnership.

Courtesy of professional caterers, Lily & Wild, that service will now be enhanced to meet the dietary requirements of staff be they related to religion, culture, health, or lifestyle choice. These include halal, vegetarian and coeliac options that are not readily available to stable staff.

Starting from tomorrow’s meeting at Naas, stable staff will be able to choose their food from a menu on the ARKequine website and make their order prior to noon on the day before racing at Naas. The menu will include two halal options (one vegetarian), with a separate fryer being used. There will also be a takeaway service provided during times of the year when people are fasting.

ARKequine offers veterinary-formulated, high-performance nutritional supplements, feed and horse care products. Its broad spectrum of products is specially designed to meet every life stage of the performance horse from broodmares, stallions and foals to the young performance and older horse.

Kirsty McCann, nutritional manager, ARKequine said: “We are delighted to extend our support of the grooms’ canteen into 2023 and this year we have taken care to reflect the diverse dietary requirements of the racing community. It is a milestone in Irish racing and something we are proud to support.”

Kevin Walsh, managing director of Lily & Wild, stated: “Nothing brings people together more than sharing a meal, and so we aim to foster an atmosphere of diversity and inclusion for all our customers. We are proud to work with ARKequine and Naas Racecourse to bring these values to the grooms’ canteen at Naas, and to honour and reward the hard work and commitment of all those who work tirelessly behind the scenes.”

Eamonn McEvoy, general manager, Naas Racecourse added: “A brilliant initiative by all, catering to the needs of our racing staff who work tirelessly behind the scenes. A great step in the right direction towards inclusivity in horse racing.” Stable staff on duty tomorrow can study the menu online and order now at the address below.

Web: ark-equine.com/naas-diversity-inclusion/