NAAS RACECOURSE GEARING UP FOR GRADE 1 DAY AS LOCAL BUSINESSES CONTINUE THEIR SUPPORT
Naas Racecourse is gearing up for its Grade 1 Raceday, the Lawlor’s of Naas Grade 1 Novice Hurdle. The race, supported by a local business, Lawlor’s of Naas Town Centre Hotel has produced some of the very best novice hurdles in recent years.
2020 and 2021 winners, Envoi Allen and Bob Olinger both went on to win the Ballymore Novice at the Cheltenham Festival. This year Lawlor’s of Naas Grade 1 Novice Hurdle renewal will take place at Naas Racecourse, on the eve of the Bank Holiday, 2nd of January and it is already heating up to be a very exciting race with some 25 initial entries.
Only Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott have managed to win this race since it was upgraded to Grade 1 status in 2015 and unsurprisingly Ireland's two leading trainers are to the fore for the January 2nd fixture at the Kildare venue. The track is a popular destination for local people and local businesses have continued to support this popular January meeting. Apart from the feature race there are six exciting supporting races on the card.
Award winning Naas-based fishmongers East Coast Seafood and Gouldings Hardware will once again co – sponsor the East Coast Seafood & Gouldings Hardware Handicap Steeplechase. The final race of the day will also be sponsored by local business Rushe’s SuperValu who will continue to sponsor the Rushe’s SuperValu INH Flat Race and the feature race is sponsors by Lawlor’s of Naas Town Centre Hotel for the eight consecutive year.
Irish racing’s largest sponsor The Irish EBF will sponsor the remaining three races. Sponsorship from further afield on the day comes from prominent horse racing supporter JP McManus who will sponsor the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle.
Apart from all of the exciting action on the track a contest of a different kind will be taking place in the fashion stakes as the day also features a fashion competition for the Best Dressed Lady. ‘The Winter Ladies Day’ competition will be judged by fashionista and broadcaster, Lorraine Keane and has a prize fund worth over €3,000. Leading spa and skincare specialists, Residence Day Spa in Naas have provided a voucher worth €1,000 for the best dressed lady who will also win €500 in cash and a stay in a luxurious suite at Lawlor’s Hotel.
This year the theme of the fashion competition is ‘Back A Boutique’ where participants have been encouraged to buy their outfit from their local, independent boutique. A number of Naas boutiques and shops have partnered with Naas Racecourse including Jingles, Aria, Emporium Kalu, Nicola Ross, Catriona’s, The Shoe Tree, Fabucci, Whelan’s Shoes and Diamond & Pearls. The boutiques have generously donated vouchers ranging in value from €50 - €200. These vouchers will be awarded as spot prizes for stylish ladies the judges see on the day.
Eamonn McEvoy, General Manager of Naas Racecourse commented, “We are really looking forward to another exciting renewal of the Lawlor’s of Naas Grade 1 Novice Hurdle. There are some very exciting entries and hopefully the winner takes the same route to the Cheltenham festival, like our past two winners, Envoi Allen and Bob Olinger. Aside from Grade 1 racing, we have lots to offer, fashion, food, music in the marquee and more, so we cannot wait to welcome you to Lawlor’s Day. This year the raceday is ideally positioned earlier in the calendar on the eve of the Bank Holiday. Due to the government guidelines, this is a ticket only event, to avoid disappointment we encourage you to book your tickets today at naasracecourse.com”.
Tickets will not be available on the gate which opens at 10.30am. Patrons are advised to book early to avoid disappointment. Visit www.naasracecourse.com to purchase tickets.
