Excitement is already building ahead of the 2026 racing season at Ballinrobe Racecourse, with racing set to return on Friday, April 17th for what promises to be another thrilling season.
Interest in the new season has been exceptionally strong, with 2026 membership already sold out well ahead of the opening fixture. Demand is also growing steadily for the start of the season, particularly for the popular Friday evening meetings, which have become a firm favourite with racegoers in recent years.
The racecourse will stage ten fixtures during 2026, featuring a mix of competitive national hunt and flat racing. Among the season’s highlights will be McHale Raceday, which hosts the biggest races run at Ballinrobe each year — the McHale Mayo National and the McHale Mayo Hurdle — attracting leading trainers and competitive fields. The McHale Mayo National has been won by horses from the Gordon Elliott yard for the past 3 years with last year’s winner Western Fold going on to achieve success in the Tote Galway Plate and the Champion Chase in Gowran Park.
Another key date in the calendar is The Lodge at Ashford Castle Ladies Day, which takes place on Monday, June 22nd. One of the most stylish events of the summer in the region. The Ladies Day judge for 2026 will be announced in the coming weeks.
The July fixture will again feature the popular two-day July Festival, including Family Day with entertainment and activities designed to ensure younger racegoers can enjoy the raceday experience alongside the excitement of the track.
Racecourse Manager John Flannelly said preparations are well underway for the new season. “Following a very successful 2025 season with excellent attendances throughout the year, we are really looking forward to welcoming racegoers back on April 17th. It was particularly pleasing to see strong local success on the track last year with winners such as Tomas O’Maille, Buddy One, Leave in Secret and Nothing Hectic and it would be great to see the same this year. The support from owners, trainers and racegoers continues to grow each year, and with membership already sold out and strong interest in our Friday meetings, we’re expecting another fantastic season at Ballinrobe.”
Admission prices remain unchanged for 2026 when purchased online in advance. Adult tickets are available for €15 online up until midnight before raceday, while Student and OAP tickets are €10. On raceday, admission will be €20 for adults and €15 for Students and OAPs both at the gate and online. Racegoers are encouraged to purchase tickets online in advance to avail of the best value.
Demand for hospitality has also been particularly strong ahead of the season. The Coranna Hospitality Restaurant is already fully booked for the three Friday meetings, with limited availability remaining for other fixtures. Racegoers planning a hospitality experience are advised to book early to avoid disappointment. There is also a range of group packages to suit all budgets, including the Flexi-Friday Package and Corrib Package.
With ten fixtures, feature racedays, live entertainment and a welcoming atmosphere, Ballinrobe Racecourse looks set to deliver another memorable season for racing fans and social racegoers alike in 2026.
Further information and tickets are available online at www.ballinroberacecourse.ie.
