TOP trainer Eoin McCarthy of Athea was the ideal host for the launch of the upcoming Mr Binman Christmas Limerick Racing Festival, December 26-29.
The visit to West Limerick provided attendees with an opportunity to meet the handler and his dedicated team.
McCarthy commented: “It’s always a pleasure to open the yard and give people a sense of the work that goes on behind the scenes. The Christmas Racing Festival is a huge occasion for everyone involved in racing locally, and we’re delighted to play our part.”
He added: “We’re bringing over a small but quality team to Limerick this year and hope to have a great few days out.”
Said Joe Cleary of the sponsor: “Events like this stable visit highlight the passion, hard work, and community that make this festival so special. It’s fantastic to see the enthusiasm building, and we’re looking forward to four great days of racing over Christmas.”
Hurling royalty TJ Ryan (also of race sponsor CUBE Printing) commented: “I love National Hunt racing and love going to Limerick at Christmas. We are sponsoring a Maiden Hurdle. Limerick is a great place to meet people and entertain guests. There’s a good relationship between ourselves and the racecourse, and in fairness the standard and quality of racing in Limerick has been excellent and I hope to have a horse to enter at future festivals.”
Among the highlights of the festival are a brilliant National Hunt Card on St Stephen’s Day, Ladies’ Day hosted by Celia Holman-Lee (Dec 27), €100,000 Faugheen Grade 1 (Dec 28) and Family Fun Day (Dec 29).
Master Chefs and Big Boss Events are also both closely involved, and who between them aim “to bring the best of catering, hospitality, and live entertainment to complement the excellent card of national hunt racing”.
In the words of Limerick CEO Michael Lynch, ticket sales are ahead of recent years, with around 20,000 expected across the four days.