SUN SHINES ON RACES
FAMILY DAY A BIG SUCCESS AT THE RACES WITH BUMPER CROWDS AT THE FESTIVAL IN CLEVERAGH
THE first meeting of the year for Sligo Races was held on Sunday and the crowds were out in force to enjoy some racing action.
With glorious sunshine throughout, this certainly added to the atmosphere as young and old came to Cleveragh to sample the entertaining racing.
As the first three meetings had to be cancelled due to extensive drainage being carried out at the course, Sunday brought much positivity to the organisers with a family day adding to the carnival atmosphere.
There was some exquisite fashion on show for the races too.
Crowds started to throng the Cleveragh course after doors opened at 12 noon and right up to the last race they kept coming through the gates.
Kathryn Foley, Manager of Sligo Races, said it was a fantastic day overall.
She added: ““I’m very happy to be back racing and evidently from the size of attendance at yesterday’s meeting, I’m not alone there.
“It was very gratifying to see how supportive the people of Sligo and surrounding regions are to the racecourse.
“It was family day and we had all generations at the track.
“The ice cream went down a treat and the kids had amazing fun with Scruffy Duffy, Frontrunners Kids Club and Elaine our face painter who I believe managed paint at least 200 faces.
“We are now looking forward to the rest of the season.”
Afterwards, there was music entertainment for the punters as the sun still shone into the evening.
With the racing season now in full swing, it’s the two-day festival next month which is next to look forward to.
The racing takes place on August 9 th and 10 th, with another meeting on August 22nd, with the final day on the racing calendar taking place on September 27 th.
There are huge crowds expected at all these meetings which organisers say they are very much looking forward to.
IT WAS VERY GRATIFYING TO SEE HOW SUPPORTIVE THE PEOPLE OF SLIGO ARE