THE St Patrick’s Coast Endurance Ride is back!

After a blank two years, this 32km (20 miles) event returns next Saturday, September 3rd and entries are still being accepted from pleasure riders and competitive riders until midnight next Tuesday (unless already full).

Starting at Downpatrick Racecourse, participants get to take in forest, old railways, farm lanes and fields as well as a significant distance of beaches. There is less than 1.5km of road work.

If you fancy making a weekend of it, stabling is available on site as is camping for anyone interested. There is also a dinner on the Saturday evening.

You don’t have to complete the full circuit. Riders can opt for a shorter route of 16km (10 miles), though that will not include the beach.

Web: stpatrickscoast.com

Go racing on Monday

DON’T forget Downpatrick race on Monday, a public holiday for those north of the border. The seven-race National Hunt card starts at 1.50pm and live music starts before racing.

The most appropriately dressed lady will win a €2,000 voucher from Hannon Travel, while the best dressed gent will receive a £500 voucher for Warnocks Gentlemen’s Outfitters. Looking through the card, trainers Meath trainer John McConnell and Armagh’s Ronan McNally have interesting entries, while we could see Rachael Blackmore travel to ride for trainer Henry de Bromhead and others.

Charity drive report

WELL done to all who took part in the charity drive of harness horses in aid of Air Ambulance NI around Ballygowan last weekend. More details are carried on page 105.