THE Association of Irish Racecourses (AIR) column this week is all about racing over the New Year’s break. New Year traditions for a lot of families includes a day at the races, a day out that has never looked so inviting! Racing on New Year’s Eve at Punchestown is a firm family favourite for many. In previous years a traditional ‘ladies go free’ was always well received, but this year, thanks to Tote Ireland, everyone goes racing free - so you’re on a winner before you even leave home.

In addition to complimentary admission, Tote Ireland is also inviting punters to join them in the Tote Hall for Spin the Wheel spot prize giveaways, with lots of prizes to be won on the day such as Punchestown annual memberships and race day tickets.

The ever popular track-side hospitality package is available offering guests an all-inclusive experience at the home of jump racing, with a delicious four-course lunch starring alongside the on-course action. Check out punchestown.ie for more information, tickets and all their hospitality packages.

Tramore

If you fancy a visit to the south east of the country this holiday season, why not get your New Year off to a flying start in the Deise county, where Tramore Racecourse hosts its January 1st race meeting? Features include the Grade 3 Savills New Year’s Day Chase.

This popular fixture offers a unique blend of National Hunt racing, a great atmosphere, lots of food and beverage options, and ample indoor and outdoor amenities. Racegoers can enjoy a comfortable and safe New Year’s Day experience for all the family.

The Grade 3 Savills New Year’s Day Chase is set to again attract some of the biggest names in jumps racing, with top trainers Willie Mullins and Henry de Bromhead nominating the race for a couple of their high-profile inmates, including the 2021 Gold Cup winner Minella Indo. For tickets, hospitality packages and more information visit tramoreraces.ie.

Fairyhouse

Finally, New Year’s Day at Fairyhouse is a real crowd-pleaser, and a must in the diary for many local families as part of their holiday plans.

It is the place to be on January 1st to meet and mingle with your fellow racegoers, catch up with old friends and make some new ones too. The meeting offers a perfect excuse to get spruced up and go out and about for a festive flutter or two with all the family.

On this card last year, the feature Grade 3 John & Chich Fowler Memorial Mares Chase was won by the Gordon Elliot-trained Mount Ida for KTDA Racing, ridden to victory by recently retired Davy Russell.

It is set to be an exciting day of racing and fun off the track too. Gates open from 10.30am and the first race goes to post at 12.30pm - so come along early and enjoy a proper day out to start the new year in style. For more information, tickets and hospitality packages visit fairyhouse.ie.

AIR would like to wish the teams at Punchestown, Tramore and Fairyhouse Racecourses the very best of luck with their upcoming fixtures, and take this opportunity to wish all their members, industry stakeholders, suppliers and valued patrons and readers of The Irish Field, every good wish for the New Year.

AIR will continue this column in 2023, bringing you all the latest news from Ireland’s 26 racecourses who are already looking forward to seeing you racing very soon!

Dates for the diary

RACING in Ireland for the next eight days will take place at:

Sunday, January 1st

Fairyhouse, Tramore

Wednesday, January 4th

Dundalk

Friday, January 6th

Dundalk

Saturday, January 7th

Cork

Sunday, January 8th

Naas