Local layers to sponsor all races at Down Royal on Friday The Northern Ireland Bookmakers Association have organised a major sponsorship deal to support Friday’s National Hunt card at Down Royal. Seven local layers will endorse each of the races including McCartneybet.com, Sean Graham Bookmaker, Danny Boy Bookmaker, Pinnacle Sports Bookmakers, Tommy Donnelly Bookmaker, Pat O’Hare Bookmaker and Franco Hughes Away Bookmaker. Tommy Donnelly, chairman of the association, said: “We are pleased as bookmakers to make a substantial contribution to local racing at Down Royal. Ten bookmakers will be in operation on Friday. "The current situation due to the virus is that only a very limited number of layers are allowed to attend. We operate a rota, based on seniority, as to who gets pitches at the meetings at the Maze and Downpatrick, and when the list is complete we will start again at the top. "Friday’s meeting has been well supported by trainers and Pat O’Hare’s handicap hurdle got 50 entries.” In all, 91 horses have been declared to run with maximum fields in four of the races and the action gets under way with the McCartanbet.com Text-A-Bet 3-Y-O Hurdle at 3.55pm. Watering is taking place with the ground currently good, good to yielding in places and the fine spell of weather is set to continue for the rest of the week.
