Limerick Racecourse ready with their annual Christmas offering

THE HIGHLIGHT of the local racing calendar will see thousands pass through the gates of Limerick Racecourse this week for the annual four-day Mr Binman Christmas Racing Festival.

The Patrickswell venue will come alive this December 26-29 with management promising something for everyone.
Highlights on the track include the Doran's Pride Grade 2 Novice Hurdle on Day 1, the St Stephen's Day, the Dawn Run Grade 2 Novice Steeplechase on December 27, and the Grade 1 Faugheen Novice Steeplechase and a Listed Handicap Steeplechase on December 28.

The final day of the Festival, December 29 is Family Fun Day where there will be children's amusements, entertainers and much more.

Limerick Racecourse CEO Michael Lynch is looking forward to the festival which is one of the biggest annual sporting and social highlights in the region.

“Obviously the festival is both a pilgrimage for the traditional racegoer and also something for people who wouldn't traditionally go racing, it's something for everyone to look forward to,” explained Michael.

“St Stephen's Day is always our big day and there is fantastic excitement around that and then Ladies Day on December 27, we are delighted to be working with Celia Holman Lee on that.

The Best Dressed Lady Competition has a prize of a €1000 Gift Voucher from Canella Lane On the day there will also be a Fashion Show in the Tote Hall.

“Alongside our main sponsors in Mr Binman, Guinness have also come on board with us this year to sponsor the Faugheen Novice Steeplechase on December 28, which is proving to be a huge day for hospitality bookings so it will bring a huge crowd.”

“Mr Binman is a brilliant partnership for Limerick Racecourse and their continued sponsorship for our four-day Christmas Festival is key to its success and a key driver for our sustainability goals. I must also acknowledge the wonderful support of all our other sponsors and in particular McMahon Builders Providers, Diageo, Lyons of Limerick, Campion Insurance and Quinnbet,” outlined the racecourse CEO.

“The team are working really hard to put on a great four-day festival and we are really looking forward to opening our gates on St Stephen’s day – I’d advise everyone to come early, avail of the bus service and enjoy some great racing,” said Michael.

The official launch of the 2024 Christmas Festival took place in the Rathkeale yard of trainer Eric McNamara. He will be among the local trainers looking to come away with some winners at this year's festival as he celebrates his 40th anniversary of his first winner at Limerick.

McNamara was better known for his show jumping exploits at this juncture and had just started to dip his toe into the world of training racehorses.

For John, owned by his brother Jimmy and ridden by Michael Byrne, did the business at Limerick’s Christmas Festival on December 27, 1984, and the rest, as they say, is history.

“It was in the old Limerick Racecourse obviously. It was the start of the career that we’ve had, a reasonably good career I suppose. We’ve won a few lovely races.”

Limerick has been very kind since that first winner and McNamara is optimistic that he can make his presence felt once more.

“Limerick Racecourse is very dear to our hearts and we love going back there every Christmas. It would be very disappointing if we left after the four days without a winner but it’s a long time since we have left without one. It’s been a lucky track for us and long may that stand,” said McNamara at his Beechmount Stables.

Limerick Racecourse CEO Michael Lynch and staff are encouraging all to pre-purchase tickets for the Christmas Festival.

General admission, family packages, restaurant packages and special value deals are available on www.limerickraces.ie Limerick Racecourse management are also urging all to plan their travel.

Shuttle bus services will operate between the city and the Patrickswell venue. The service will be free on December 27-29 with buses departing and returning to Merchants Quay and the People's Park.