Cork Racecourse is raising the Bar with this year’s Easter Festival, announcing Bar One Racing as the title sponsor of the Easter Sunday fixture on April 17.
Preparations for the festival, which takes place from Saturday, April 16 to Monday, April 18 are almost complete and securing the commitment of a brand of the calibre of Bar One Racing for the middle leg of three-day affair is an indication of its status and calibre.
The Dundalk-based bookmaking firm has provided tremendous support to horse racing in recent years, with Cork figuring prominently in its portfolio. The link has now been strengthened by becoming title sponsor of an entire day of racing, as well as sponsoring three races: the Baroneracing.com Hurdle, the Baroneracing.com Grade B Handicap Hurdle and the feature Baroneracing.com Grade 3 Steeplechase, won last year by the John Ryan-trained Waitnsee.
The quality of racing is always top class, with something for everyone over the three days, starting with a Flat card that kicks off at 1.40pm on Social Saturday, when live music will keep the punters entertained after racing.
Two National Hunt fixtures follow and the horses won’t be all that is well groomed on Most Stylish Sunday, when RSVP magazine sponsors the Most Stylish Lady competition. Cork’s favourite party band, J90 will bring the day to a hopping conclusion with a live show in the marquee. Horses go to post for the first at 1.10pm.
Barney O’Hare, Company Director of Bar One Racing, said: “Bar One Racing are delighted to partner with Cork Racecourse Mallow this Easter. Easter Sunday is always a superb day of National Hunt racing in Cork, and it’s great to attach our brand to a graded race, at one of Ireland’s finest racecourses.”
Andrew Hogan, General Manager Cork Racecourse Mallow said: “For the second successive year, we are delighted to welcome Bar One Racing to Cork Racecourse Mallow on Easter Sunday, the highlight of our racing calendar. We are looking forward to welcoming Barney O’Hare and the Bar One Racing team to enjoy the best of Cork. The Easter Festival is an event not to be missed.”
The Cork Easter Festival concludes on Easter Monday, with the first race commencing at 1.50pm.
This is a really popular day as the Family Fun Raceday with free entertainment for the younger racegoers. Among the attractions are the Art Attack Zone, as well as a DJ party, magician, puppet show, face painter and henna tattoo artist for children of all ages to enjoy.
Gates open two hours before racing every day, with general admission gate prices of €20 Easter Saturday and Monday, and €25 Easter Sunday. Children under 14 race for free over all three days.
There are discounts for tickets bought online at www.corkracecourse.ie/buy-tickets/ with the added attraction of beating the queues as a result.
A variety of packages are available too. The Social Package, which is available online only, includes admission, race card, €5 Tote voucher and a pint for €30 (€35 Easter Sunday).
A free shuttle bus service is provided from Mallow Train Station and Mallow town.