Normality resumes at Ballinrobe Racecourse ahead of the 2022 racing season
Anticipation is building ahead of the first meeting of the 2022 racing season at Ballinrobe Racecourse.
Big crowds are expected for the opening meeting on Friday, April 8, with racegoers excited to return to normality at the south Mayo track for the first time in two years.
The racing season comprises of 10 race meetings from April to September, including eight National Hunt and two Flat meetings.
McHale Raceday, the highlight of Ballinrobe’s racing calendar, takes place on Tuesday, May 31, featuring the McHale Mayo National (Grade B) and the McHale Mayo Hurdle. McHale are now entering their ninth year sponsoring the ever-popular race day. The McHale Tiger Roll Beginners Chase – renamed after Tiger Roll, a winner at Ballinrobe in 2016 – also remains a closely followed race.
Ballinrobe Racecourse Ladies Day, sponsored by The Lodge at Ashford Castle, will take place on Monday, June 20, with fantastic prizes on offer. The elegant white-washed Lodge, set on the magnificent 350-acre Ashford estate, has views to rival the best in the world and they have come on board once again to sponsor Ladies Day following their support of Virtual Ladies Day in 2020. Marketing professional in the IT industry, model, and fashion and beauty influencer, Pam Richardson-Hoare, will judge the competition on the day, with more information to be released in the coming months.
John Flannelly, racecourse manager, commented: “We are very excited to return to normality following the tough two years of the Covid pandemic. We get back to action again on Friday, April 8, and to hear the roar of the crowd as the horses pass the post is one thing that we look forward to most. Ballinrobe is known for a great atmosphere and this aspect has been sorely missed.”
Mr. Flannelly continued: “Once again, I would like to thank our loyal sponsors who supported us during the last two years and have again committed to sponsor with us again this year. We have two race days fully sponsored – on May 31 and July 18 by McHale and Tote respectively – and the support of all our sponsors is greatly appreciated. We look forward to welcoming back racegoers for a fantastic season at Ballinrobe.”
The season kicks off on Friday, April 8, and racegoers can avail of a 10% discount on admission when tickets are bought online. Group raceday packages and memberships are now available to purchase online only and cannot be purchased on race day. Find out more at www.ballinroberacecourse.ie.
The 2022 fixtures are as follows: Friday, April 8 (e); Tuesday, May 3 (e); Monday, May 30 (e); Tuesday, May 31 (e); Monday, June 20 (e); Monday, July 18 (e); Tuesday, July 19 (e); Monday, August 8 (e); Monday, August 22 (e); and Friday, September 9 (e).