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 Faugh.