CEO looking forward to Munster National horse racing festival

LIMERICK Racecourse CEO Michael Lynch is delighted that the Patrickswell venue will host the JP McManus Charity Sweepstake as part of Boylesports JT McNamara Munster National raceday on Sunday, October 20.

Michael Lynch, CEO of Limerick Racecourse, said: “As sponsor of the Irish Grand National and many Irish race meetings, BoyleSports is a huge supporter of Irish racing so we’re extremely happy to be partnering with a brand that is committed to championing Irish racing and helping us build on the success that Limerick Races has enjoyed to date.

“We are planning many other elements and entertainment to ensure each day of the weekend is a proper day out for attendees.

“We are also delighted that JP McManus proposed the charity sweepstake to us and we are looking forward to working with John Kiely on this initiative which we are sure will heighten excitement both in advance and on Sunday, October 20, the date of the Munster National race itself.”

Lynch was thrilled that the Limerick Racecourse got approached to host this event.

“We were delighted with the approach and it tied in really well with the announcement of the new five year sponsorship with the Munster National. It was fantastic and then we were delighted when JP McManus was very positive towards doing a joint announcement last week. It gave exposure towards the Munster National and the JP McManus Charity Sweepstake.

“Anyone that I have spoken to, they've been aware of it. In terms of the level of entries, it's very strong at the moment. Entries close on Wednesday, September 25.”

Charities can register until September 25 into the JP McManus Charity Sweepstake. The sweepstake will see charities from the Mid-West region receive up to €40,000. Limerick Racecourse are playing their part in providing 100 complimentary admission tickets to the chosen charities who are drawn into the sweepstake.

“That will the opportunity to raise money on the back of it, either by selling tickets or by giving them to sponsors or those who support them.

“ The 1600 complimentary tickets are a contribution from the racecourse to the charities on the Sunday.”

The two-day meeting on October 19 and 20, the Munster National Weekend, is a very popular fixture at the track. The feature race of the weekend is the BoyleSports JT McNamara Munster National Handicap Steeplechase Grade A which entices many racegoers to the course.

On October 19 after the racing, Esker will provide the entertainment and then on Sunday October 20 a seven-piece Jazz band will host a gig and after the races Riffshop will provide the entertainment after the Munster National.

“We have lots of different packages that are available online if people want to get the gang together and take out a box. We have gala lunches on the Saturday and Sunday,” he said.

“The whole weekend will be fantastic. On the Saturday we will have Ladies Day and we will have a prize for the Best Dressed Lady. We've lots of things happening and obviously the gigs will be great. It's a proper day out and it gives people a great opportunity to put something in their diary that they can look forward to over the next five weeks,” Michael Lynch added.