Next Monday, August 15, there are more reasons than ever to go racing in Roscommon with the always highly anticipated family day taking place.
With bargain price admission, lots of free entertainment for children, fashion competitions, music, and top-class racing, there really will be something to keep the whole family entertained.
For the bargain price of €10, one parent and three children can gain admission. Tickets covering two parents and up to six children are also available for €20. Patrons should note this is a special family concession (children under 16 ) with standard prices applying otherwise. Standard admission prices are €13 for adults and €8 for OAPs. There is a special admission price for students of just €5. Student ID cards must be produced on the day.
Some of the free entertainment on offer for children includes a pirate boat train, disco dome, and face painting. There are a number of added attractions for adults to participate in such as the Most Stylish Hat competition, open to both men and women, with a great first prize of €400 cash. The two runner-ups will each get €100 in prize money. The celebrity judge on the day will be milliner Martha Lynn, a native of Roscommon who is making quite a name for herself in the world of fashion.
There is also a Best Dressed Male competition sponsored by Donnellan & Co with a first prize of a suit, shirt, and tie. The remaining four finalists will receive a €50 voucher. Judging this event will be Mr Ireland, Darren King, who is a native of Brideswell.
Racecourse manager, Michael Finneran, said: “We try to accommodate everyone on family day and we think next Monday’s events and attractions appeal to a wide audience. There’s something for everyone, though we’ll ask for more and hope there’s a little bit of sunshine too.”
On the racing front, Monday’s card is an all flat meeting. Races are being sponsored by Pyramid Bookmakers, Murray Ambulance Service, Richard Keogh, the Irish Jockey’s Association, and EBF. Gerry Gill Motors sponsor the Best Turned Out Horse in each race. The first white flag will be raised at 5.20pm.
The card also features The Sean Cleary Memorial Handicap. Who can ever forget the celebrations after this race last year when the winner was trained by the late Sean’s father, Tom Cleary, who is based outside Athlone? There will be music in the bar on Monday after the second last race with Billy Garvin, and there is also a free bets competition on the race card.
Attractive discounts are available on group bookings. The ‘Ros Special’ for €30 includes admission, race card, two-course meal, and a €10 betting voucher.
Check out Roscommon Racecourse on Facebook or visit www.roscommonracecourse.ie for updates. Enquiries can be directed to [email protected] or to Michael Finneran on (087 ) 2203288.
