LADBROKES, one of the world’s leading betting and gaming operators, is retaining its title-naming rights at Down Royal’s Festival of Racing on Friday and Saturday, November 3rd and 4th, when there will be a total prize-fund of €450,000 on offer.

The feature race at the opening session will be the Grade 3 Bottlegreen Hurdle while the Ladbrokes Grade 1 Champion Chase will be the highlight of the card on Saturday when much of the off-track focus will be on the style on show for Ladies Day.

Emma Meehan, CEO at Down Royal said: “Ladbrokes has been a huge advocate for horse racing in Northern Ireland over the last number of years, with continuous investment into the sport, as well as Down Royal.

“This support is essential to our operations and we’re delighted to be welcoming a brand which shares a genuine passion for horse racing back to Down Royal.

“The Ladbrokes Festival is the pinnacle of our calendar of racing and our opportunity to have the best trainers, horses and jockeys in the sport of National Hunt racing at Down Royal.

Last year’s Ladbrokes Grade 1 Champion Chase saw Grand National and Gold Cup-winning jockey Rachael Blackmore ride Envoi Allen to victory in a thrilling finish. We’re looking forward to more top-class racing this time around.”

Nicola McGeady, Ladbrokes Head of PR added: “Ladbrokes is once again proud to be partnering with Down Royal as a demonstration of our commitment to the racing industry. The Ladbrokes Festival is a highlight on the racing calendar and we can’t wait to see what this year’s renewal brings.”

THE point-to-point community will have been as saddened as those who follow other equestrian sports to have learned of the death on Monday of David Corbett of Tyrella House.

Following a private family committal, a Service of Thanksgiving will be held in Tyrella Parish Church on Saturday next, September 30th, at 3.00pm.

The Irish Field wishes to extend its sympathies to David’s partner Iona, to his son John and the latter’s wife Hannah, and to his daughter Emily.