Racing down the back straight at Ballinrobe© Photo Healy Racing
Ballinrobe Racecourse launched their 2015 season at the racetrack today, with nine race meetings scheduled and total prize-money in excess of 800,000 euro.
The fixtures will comprise seven national hunt meetings and two flat meetings including ten feature races, each with prize-money of over €20,000.
Ballinrobe's season runs from May 5th through to September 22nd and over 90% of the races are now sponsored.
One of the highlights of the season at the western venue is the McHale Raceday, with two feature races sponsored by local specialist farm machinery company, McHale.
First staged last year, the McHale Mayo National and the McHale Coranna Handicap Hurdle are each worth €30,000, making them the most valuable races ever at Ballinrobe.
Vaughan Shoes sponsor the ever popular Ladies Day on June 23rd. With shops in Ballinrobe, Claremorris and Castlebar, Vaughan Shoes is one of the leading shoe store chains in the west of Ireland and they will sponsor all seven races on the day in addition to the Ladies Day prizes. Guest judge Marietta Doran will determine the winner of a €1,500 cash prize, while nine runners-up prizes are worth €130.
The Tote Raceday on July 20th will also include a fashion element with a number of live fashion shows throughout the day hosted by Catwalk Model Agency in the run up to the Galway racing festival. There will also be a best hat competition sponsored by Caithriona King to the value of €300.
Another busy day in Ballinrobe's calendar is the Family Day on July 21st, which will include a wide range of children's activities. A GoRacing Kids' Club day will be held in advance of the meeting with local schools taking part.
Ballinrobe Manager John Flannelly said, "We are delighted to launch our programme for the 2015 season at Ballinrobe Racecourse today. We have nine exciting fixtures ahead with eight evening meetings and finishing on September 22nd with a day meeting.
"We fully expect to continue to grow our attendances and we are very appreciative of the continued support of all our sponsors and look forward to a fantastic season ahead."
