Ballinrobe Racecourse is preparing for two action-packed evenings of racing and entertainment, with racegoers set to enjoy top-class racing, family fun and live music across Monday 20th and Tuesday 21st July. The highlight of this year's July race meetings is the return of the hugely popular Race Dance on Tuesday 21st July, featuring one of Irish country music's fastest-rising stars, Gavin Gribben.
Hailing from County Down, Gavin has quickly established himself as one of the most exciting live performers on the Irish folk and country music scene. Having entertained crowds of more than 20,000 people, Gavin and his band are renowned for their high-energy performances, attracting a new generation of fans to live Irish music. Festival favourites including Pub Crawl, Waxies Dargle and Long Legged Woman are guaranteed to have the dancefloor full in the Mask Pavilion following racing.
One ticket grants admission to both the races and the Race Dance, offering exceptional value and a full evening's entertainment. Racegoers are encouraged to book online in advance to avail of the best value tickets. Racing on Tuesday gets underway at 5:06pm with a competitive National Hunt card before Gavin takes to the stage shortly after the final race.
The two-day race meeting begins on Monday 20th July with Tote Raceday, celebrating the 13th year of partnership between Tote Ireland and Ballinrobe Racecourse. Tote Ireland, a subsidiary of Horse Racing Ireland, has proudly sponsored the entire seven-race card since 2013, reflecting its continued commitment to Irish racing and Ballinrobe Racecourse. The first race on Monday is scheduled for 5:10pm, with a quality seven-race flat card featuring the €25,000 Tote Handicap over one mile and four furlongs on the inner loop.
Monday also marks Family Day at Ballinrobe Racecourse, with a fantastic programme of free children's entertainment including face painting, Nancy the Clown, Bumper Carz, a giant tractor and trailer inflatable, and a colouring station. Children under 14 are admitted free when accompanied by an adult, making it an ideal family outing during the summer holidays.
John Flannelly, Manager of Ballinrobe Racecourse, said: "Our two-day July race meetings are always among the best-attended fixtures of the season and they really do offer something for everyone. From Monday's Family Day, with plenty of free entertainment for children, to Tuesday night's Race Dance with Gavin Gribben, there's something to appeal to all ages.
We are extremely grateful to all of our race sponsors for their continued support, which plays a vital role in the success of our race meetings. I would especially like to acknowledge Tote Ireland, who this year celebrate their 13th consecutive year sponsoring a full race card at Ballinrobe Racecourse. Their continued commitment to Ballinrobe and Irish racing is greatly appreciated.
Gavin recently visited Ballinrobe Racecourse to see the venue ahead of the Race Dance and told us he is really looking forward to entertaining the Ballinrobe crowd. We're delighted to welcome him and his band on Tuesday night and would encourage everyone to come along for what promises to be two fantastic evenings of racing and entertainment."
Ballinrobe Racecourse is proud to once again play a central role in hosting events in the annual Ballinrobe Festival, which culminates with a fantastic weekend of entertainment. Highlights include Mack Fleetwood performing in the Mask Pavilion on Friday 24th July and the ever-popular Queen of the Lakes finale on Sunday 26th July.
Tickets for all race meetings are available now at www.ballinroberacecourse.ie, where racegoers can also find details of hospitality packages and group bookings. Festival event tickets are available through the Ballinrobe Festival Facebook page.
Event Dates at Ballinrobe Racecourse
- Monday 20th July – Tote Raceday & Family Day
- Tuesday 21st July – National Hunt Racing & Gavin Gribben Race Dance
- Friday 24th July – Mack Fleetwood
- Sunday 26th July – Queen of the Lakes Finale
