Under starter’s orders
MINNIE MOONEY grew up in a county steeped in racing but had never been to a meeting. Here’s what happened when she put that right.
Ihad no idea of the customs and costumes of racing, which has grown in popularity with young people in recent years.
It’s exciting and stylish, so no wonder celebrities from Coleen Rooney to Brad Pitt are turf fans.
When the opportunity came to go racing at Navan Racing Festival, I was chomping at the bit.
Dressed in my finery, I headed off for the Winter jump meeting the beautiful Boyne Valley.
In need of sustenance, I started the day in the Bective Stud Tea Rooms, a converted cottage decorated with pictures of the celebrated Bective studs.
Fortified by French toast breakfast, it was off to the racetrack in Proudstown although the races are about much more than just runners and riders.
It is a sociable day with live music, a festival marquee, bars, food, and, of course, it’s the perfect excuse to wear a hat. I was lucky enough to have a great view from the Arkle Bar, which overlooks the whole racetrack and is usually reserved for members, jockeys, and owners.
Using my scientific selection process of picking the prettiest horse, or the best name, alas the seven races failed to produce a winner but that was half the fun.
Just to watch the horses running was a treat in itself; the sound of them thundering past, especially when standing close to the track.
For a novice like me, the Navan Races were a great way to get a taste of the different kinds of horse racing- there were hurdle races, flat races, and a steeplechase, although the course is probably best known for National Hunt.
Along with Kildare, Navan is the home of Irish racing and the pride and excitement of that fact is felt all throughout the crowd.
There is an awed silence as the horses come up the home stretch, followed by a murmur that builds to a roar as the last hurdle is jumped.
After the thrill of the races, I visited Bellinter House Hotel, which, complete with a roaring fire, spiral staircases and a giant Christmas tree, would not have looked out of place in Bridgerton.
I stopped for dinner at The Central Bar, Navan, for a T-bone steak, and was treated to a tour. The Central is deceptive – compact and cosy on first impressions, but also reveals two outdoor areas, two restaurants, a sports bar and a secret watering hole.
The next afternoon saw a trip to Slane Whiskey Distillery, where the bar is decorated with records of all the famous artists such as Guns N’ Roses, David Bowie, Bob Dylan and Harry Styles who have played at Slane Castle.
To be walked through the intricate process of whiskey-making was fascinating.
But the real treat was the tasting at the end.
My high society weekend was topped off with a trip to Conyngham Arms Hotel, which, with its green walls and white furniture, was like something out of a doll’s house.
Meath is, of course, celebrated for it history – not least Newgrange and The Battle of the Boyne.
There’s a magic to the Boyne Valley, I’m glad I discovered.
■■Boyne Hurdle Day is at Navan Racecourse on February 11.
For more information about Meath - home of Ireland’s ancient east see www.discoverboynevalley.ie/