Top race action with mega prize money up for grabs at Listowel

OVER €1.3 million in prize money over seven days of top class action tells you all you need to know about the quality and stature of Listowel Races. This is Listowel’s way of saying farewell to another summer, and what a way to do so as the north Kerry capital takes on a life of its own.

Billed as Munster’s biggest and best racing festival, the 7-day Listowel Harvest Racing Festival runs from September 9-15. The Listowel Race Company also celebrate 160 years of racing at the scenic ‘island’ course, making it one of the longest established race meetings in Ireland today.

This is a meeting the people of Listowel have grown up with, and is a stand out fixture in the town’s calendar of events. Listowel and its environs benefit hugely from the races with some estimates putting the dividend at €30 million to the local economy. It creates extra employment and business for shops, pubs, restaurants and accommodation. It’s a week when people like to draw a line through life’s worries and enjoy the races.

Racing highlights over the seven days include the €40,000 Kerry Group Handicap Steeplechase (Sunday 9th); the €200,000 Guinness Kerry National Handicap Steeplechase, Grade A ( Wednesday 12th) and the €100,000 Ladbrokes Ireland Handicap Hurdle, Grade B (Thursday 13th).

Tickets can be pre purchased on line in advance at www.listowelraces.ie - with generous group discounts available. For more information about tickets and packages, visit: www.listowelraces. ie. Or contact: 068 21144/21172. THE Listowel Harvest Racing meeting opens on Sunday, September 9 with the ever popular Kerry Group Family Day where children under 12-years-of-age are admitted FREE when accompanied by an adult.

It’s a bit of a cliché these days to say that an event caters for ‘all ages’ and interests, but this is certainly true of Listowel Races. Family entertainment for kids is guaranteed, and is kindly sponsored by Garvey’s Supervalu, Listowel. The day’s highlights include Kidz Disco Time, Face Painting, Glitz Tattoos, Crazy Magic Show, Bouncy Party Slide and Mobile Pet Farm. Extra seating will be provided throughout the racecourse so there will be plenty of pit stops should you or the children require a timeout. Head to Listowel Races on Sunday, September 9… it’s not just about the horses.