Picturehouse and The Saw Doctors Go Racing in Limerick

Final preparations are being put in place for the two-day July meeting at Limerick Racecourse this Friday and Saturday.

The first evening meeting is Budweiser Barbecue Night with Picturehouse playing live after racing at 9.00pm; Saturday's evening National Hunt card features the second running of the Betfair Jockeys Challenge, with six UK based riders taking on six of the top Irish Jockeys over four hurdle races.

The 2003 Challenge was won by the Home team by a runaway score of 88 points to 24, despite the visitors being spearheaded by the likes of Richard Johnson and Jim Culloty. Mick Fitzgerald and Andrew Thornton step into their shoes this year, supported by Martin Pipe's up and coming jockey Jamie Moore, Tom Doyle, Timmy Murphy and Tom Scudamore. Captained by footballer Niall Quinn, they will be looking to make sure the Betfair Jockeys Gold Cup returns to reside at Aintree Racecourse for the second leg in November. Irish rugby star Keith Wood, will be captaining the home team and advising on how best to defend their crown.

The evening is also supporting the humanitarian charity, GOAL, which has been actively involved since 1977 in over sixteen countries, dedicated to the alleviation of suffering in developing countries. Money will be raised during the course of the evening through a variety of activities, including ?100 charity bets on each race by Niall Quinn and Keith Wood.

Live music finishes off the weekend in style with The Saw Doctors taking to the open-air stage by the Parade Ring at 9.15pm.

Graham Ross of Betfair said, 'Betfair is delighted to once again sponsor the Betfair Jockeys' Challenge at Limerick Racecourse this Saturday. With two top class teams, celebrity captains and sporting legends Keith Wood and Niall Quinn, as well as the Saw Doctors after racing, the evening should provide excellent entertainment. We are also happy to be able to partner with GOAL in raising much needed funds for this worthy charity and would hope that the expected big crowd will give generously.'