Downpatrick Racecourse has launched this year’s TOALS BOOKMAKERS ULSTER GRAND NATIONAL taking place on Sunday 26 March 2017 writes Joe Kavanagh.
Downpatrick Racecourse has launched this year’s renewal of Ulster Grand National sponsored by Toals Bookmakers. Last year the race was won by Federici trained by Enda Bolger partnered by Adrian Heskin who this season has based himself in Britain with immense success.
Gordon Elliott, following an ultra successful Cheltenham Festival the other week, produced the JP Mc Manus owned Riverside City to win the historic contest in 2015 and is certain to be well represented in Sunday’s feature with the County Meath trainer on track to claim his first Irish Champion Trainer title.
This year’s winner will collect an amazing new trophy. In recognition of the 70 years since Caughoo’s victory in the Aintree Grand National in 1947 and his two wins in the Ulster National, the McDowell family who owned Caughoo have agreed with Toals Bookmakers to provide the new trophy to mark the achievements of the great horse which was bought for just£50.
A new feature of the big race day will be a dedicated Guinness Marque located beside the paddock. WKD will sponsor the Most Appropriately Dressed Lady Competition with a trip to Rome as the prize and Leading Local Racehorse owner, Mrs Pat Sloan – wife of WKD boss Joe Sloan, has kindly agreed to judge the competition.
The day will be complimented by live music before and after racing while the Downshire Brass Band and street artists will perform during the course of the afternoon. Spot prizes and give-a- ways will feature throughout the day.
The Tote will also be offering a €15,000 Placepot guarantee for racing on Sunday.
Declan Quigley, Toals Bookmakers District Manager, said: “We are again thrilled to associated with such an historic local race and certain the public will enjoy Toals Race Day at Downpatrick.”
The Ulster National takes place at 3.50pm while gates open on the day at 12 noon with the first race at 2.20pm. This year the Ulster National Raceday celebrates Mother’s Day with the launch of their new Afternoon Tea Package. The Afternoon Tea will be served in their Brownlow Suite creating a beautiful Tea Room overlooking the Race Track. There are a choice of two sittings available. (1pm and 3.30pm).
