BIG GUNS READY FOR DOWN ROYAL

THE Ladbrokes Festival of Racing will be the highlight of the year for thousands of racegoers this Friday as Down Royal Racecourse hosts it’s annual two-day spectacular.

With a total prize fund of €460,000, Friday will see the richest hurdle race in Northern Ireland – The WKD Hurdle – while the province’s biggest National Hunt race – the Ladbrokes Grade 1 Champion Chase – will be held on Saturday.

A prize pot of €150,000 ensures that the Ladbrokes Champion Chase entices the cream of runners and riders, including five entries from Ireland and Great Britain.

Shane Mclaughlin, Managing Director of Ladbroke Services Ireland said: “Ladbrokes has a long and proud association with top-class horse racing and we are thrilled to be embarking on this exciting new sponsorship of the Ladbrokes Festival of

Racing at Down Royal.

We’re looking forward to an action-packed weekend of top class racing.”

Brendan Loughran, Head of Business Unit Ireland, SHS Drinks, which owns the WKD brand, said: “WKD is delighted to be continuing its long and proud association with horse racing at Down Royal.”

Down Royal Chief Executive, Emma Meehan said: “The Ladbrokes Festival of Racing is the highlight of our racing calendar and with the venue and the track both in tip top condition, it promises to be a superb day out for all.”

Gates open at 11am and the first race is at 12.45pm. General admission is £15 and tickets are available at the turnstiles on arrival. Children under 16 go free and free car parking is available.

To book tickets please visit www.downroyal.com