THE final fixture of the year at Sligo takes place on Thursday, September 27th with a seven-race, all National Hunt card consisting of only steeplechases. This is sure to be a spectacle for racegoers and the first race gets off at 1.55pm. Gates will be open at 12 noon.

Fingers are crossed for good weather as a bumper crowd is expected, boosted by the presence of many college students. Manager Kathryn Foley is keen that these young people have an enjoyable day, hoping many of them will become repeat visitors to the track. She told me this week: “We are once again delighted to welcome students to Sligo Races for one of the most exciting race days of the season. I would like to acknowledge the work of the students’ union in Sligo IT for organising the event and also St. Angela’s College.”