Celebrating 166 years of quality racing at the scenic course, this year sees Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday assigned to National Hunt meetings, with Monday and Tuesday dedicated to the flat.
One of the hallmarks of Listowel Races is that there is something for everyone. This year includes five fashion competitions with free children’s entertainment, and top live music acts including the return of ABBA Waterloo.
The now legendary piece of advice ahead of Listowel Races is: ‘Save your Heels, We’ve got Wheels’. This is a nod to the free double-decker bus on Ladies Day (Friday) that will take patrons from the square in Listowel to the racecourse.
Here are some of the key dates and events to note:
Opening day on September 22 features The Kerry Group Handicap Steeplechase worth €45,000. Sunday is also family day sponsored by Garvey’s SuperValu and this year’s free entertainment is better than ever.
Sunday features the Lyrath Estate Most Stylish Racegoer fashion competition judged by top fashion blogger, Mary O’Donnell, with a prize fund valued at €2,000.
Monday is all about ‘Keeping it Country’ with The John F. McGuire Handicap of €45,000 the feature race. Denim Blue Jeans will be celebrated on the day with cash prizes of €200 in the adult and €100 in the under-16 category.
Wednesday is all about The Guinness Kerry National Handicap Steeplechase worth €200,000 (Grade 3). Post racing will see ABBA Waterloo take to the stage at 6pm for a free concert playing all the Swedish supergroup’s smash hits.
Thursday’s feature is The Liam Healy Memorial Lartigue Hurdle (Handicap) Listed Race worth €60,000. Back by popular demand, the Best Dressed Man’s Competition is generously sponsored by Ryles Menswear Tralee and the judge is Cllr Niall Botty O’Callaghan.
The Ladies take over on Friday when the feature race is The MCG Handicap Hurdle of €100,000. This is the tenth year of McElligott’s sponsorship of Ladies Day and they are delighted to once again welcome on board Kia as official event co-sponsors.
Judged by former Miss World, international model, and best-selling author Rosanna Davison, and award-winning top Irish fashion designer Heidi Higgins, the overall winner of the Best Dressed Lady will be jetting off to the Big Apple and staying in the fabulous Fitzpatrick Hotel in Manhattan.
In addition, there are also generous cash prizes of €1,000 for the Most Creative Headpiece as well as €500 for the Most Contemporary Outfit.
Visit www.listowelraces.ie for more information and to pre-book tickets and corporate entertainment. Follow the hashtag #listowelraces on Facebook, X and Instagram for exclusive updates and to join the conversation!
