King John’s Castle Racing Festival launched at iconic landmark in Limerick

RATHKEALE jockey Conor McNamara and his dad, racehorse trainer Eric, squared up for battle at Limerick’s historical landmark in advance of the new two-day King John’s Castle Racing Festival which will take place at Limerick Racecourse on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 October.

The meeting will also include two listed races on Saturday, October 21, The Irish Stallion Farms EBF Cailin Alainn Mares Hurdle of €27,500 and the Rathsallagh Country House Novice Hurdle of €25,000 as well as the Munster National on Sunday. Great news for owners and trainers hoping to make the festival.

Sunday, October 22 will feature the €100,000 Grade 3 JT McNamara Ladbrokes Munster National Handicap Steeplechase, the pinnacle race of the King John’s Castle Festival.

The iconic Limerick visitor attraction is partnering up with Limerick Racecourse, lending its name to the new two-day National Hunt Festival, one that is synonymous with the McNamara name.

Speaking at the launch in King John’s Castle Tom Rudd, Manager of Limerick Racecourse, said: “We are really excited to expand our hugely popular JT McNamara Ladbrokes Munster National race day into a two-day festival.

"There is a huge appetite for top quality jump racing in Munster and with seven jump races over both days, including the addition of two Listed races on Saturday, along with a supporting card of family fun, fashion, and live music, we think we have the perfect sporting and social occasion to offer all our customers.

"It is very special to join forces with such an iconic landmark like King John’s Castle to launch and showcase our new festival. The castle symbolises Limerick’s rich medieval history, and we hope our racing festival, like its namesake, will still be going strong 800 years from now.”

For bookings, visit www.limerickraces.ie or call 061 320000.