Racing greats including Jim Dreaper and Arthur Moore are getting back in the saddle for a charity race at Limerick Racecourse this spring. The Back in the Saddle Charity race will be held on 1^st April 2012 at Limerick Racecourse, which is also the McMahons.ie Family Fun Day, to raise money for the Midwest Spina Bifida Charity Association. Each jockey will raise €1,000 to ride in the race with all proceeds going to the Spina Bifida Association.  

Former champion National Hunt jockey Philip Fenton has also been confirmed to ride alongside Turf Club Official Val O’Connell, former Grade 1 winning jockey Paul Hourigan and many more.

Limerick Racecourse Manager, Russell Ferris said “This is a superb charity event which is sure to raise many thousands for the Limerick Spina Bifida foundation. I am delighted that Michael Hourigan whose idea it was to organise the charity race, chose Limerick Racecourse to host this fantastic initiative. At the moment it looks like we need to divide the race due to the number of jockeys we have, this is testament to the support and goodwill of this superb industry that retired amateur and professional jockeys have guaranteed a minimum sponsorship of €1000 per person to compete in the race. There will be other fundraising activities taking part during the racing which will only add to the fantastic atmosphere, so come out to Greenmount Park and show your support for a great cause. ”

Visit Limerick Racecourse on Sunday 1^st April 2012 to watch the former racing greats compete once again. Amid all the exciting racing action, it is also the McMahon.ie Family Fun Day at Limerick Racecourse with FREE admission for all children under 16 years. Enjoy bouncy castles, face-painting, pony rides, colouring competition and much more on our annual family fun day. Special hospitality offers available from €25 pp and unbeatable special Children dine for FREE promotion in the Panoramic Restaurant on the day. Visit www.limerickraces.ie for more details.

 The “Back in the Saddle for Mid West Spina Bifida” race will take place after the concluding race on the card at 5.45pm and is sure to attract all race goers to the finishing line to cheer on their victor. There will be bets taken on the race with profits going to the Spina Bifida Charity. So come along and support this worthy charity and avail of the opportunity to see the rivalry of the parade ring now played out on the track! 

For more information, please contact Limerick Racecourse on 061-320000 or email info@limerickraces.ie

Limerick racecourse was awash with Pink at the Annual Spin Southwest student raceday on Thursday 29^th of March.  12,644 students from all over Ireland enjoyed the horse racing in glorious sunshine,

Captain Morgan with the help of the 936 college students broke an Official Guinness world record for the “Most People Standing On One Leg Simultaneously”. In order to break the record students had to stand on one leg continuously for a minimum of 2 minutes. 

Russell Ferris “We are delighted to have hosted another great Student raceday, and that we have increased the attendance on last year. Many thanks to SPIN South West on their partnership once again and to Captain Morgan and his team and achieving their world record, it added great excitement to an already exhilarating day.”  Looking forward to next year’s event!

Images - click here or on facebook

Captain Morgan Video

The Panoramic restaurant at Limerick racecourse was a sea of colour and style on Mother’s day with a fashion show from the Catherine Street/Roches Street Fashion quarter.  Shops included: Gretta Gibbs, Helene Modes, Be Fabulous, Nelo maternity, Lady Penelope, Dolly Boutique, Virginijas Bridal, and Isama, displaying their spring collections with shoes by LaCopa and accessories from Joli.  The model search competition uncovered some fantastic new talent who we are sure shall continue in the fashion industry, a big thank you to the models Kyia, Sharon, Jane, Ashley, Brenda, Elana, Naomi and Antoinette.  Make up on the day was by Brenda Wall and hair by Halo. 

Tickets for the 2012 SPIN South West student race day are flying out of student union offices around the country with Limerick colleges reported to be selling on average 700 tickets per day since they went on sale this week. Buses will start rolling from 2.30pm on Thursday 29th of March and gates will be open at the track so students can enjoy the pre-racing entertainment to include Rodeo Bull and Sumo suit party games. Tickets for the Limerick buses are also on sale from the student unions. SPIN South West shall be judging their annual best dressed in pink competition and the winners will receive tickets to see "The Saturdays" live concert in Thurles in June.

New also this year is our VIP lounge which offers a reserved level for those wishing to enjoy the day from the private suite level. The legendary Captain Morgan and his Morganettes will be bringing the party spirit to the races this year. Anyone familiar with Captain Morgan knows of his famous one-legged stance called ‘the Captain’s pose’. Captain and his Morganettes are asking race-goers to join them in an attempt to break a world record for ‘Most People Standing On One Leg Simultaneously’ which was set last February in the USA. The world record attempt will take place in front of the main stand at 6pm and there will be €400 worth of cash prizes for the six best male and female ‘posers’, as judged by the Captain. Everyone who participates will also receive Captain Morgan’s signature Captain hat as a memento of the record attempt.

Quote from Russell Ferris General Manager “The anticipation and hype surrounding the 2012 Spin Southwest Student Raceday at Limerick Racecourse is electric, it is already our fastest selling event and I for one cannot wait for the raceday. My advice is get here early and enjoy the atmosphere, because this event is a very special racing experience that should not be missed by students or the general public”.

“SPIN South West is delighted to continue our association with the Student Raceday. As title sponsor, we are thrilled to have helped make the event one of the biggest in the Limerick Racecourse Calendar. It is a great day out for all involved and introduces a younger generation to the thrill of a day at the races. We are especially looking forward to seeing all the Best Dressed in Pink entrants on the day.” Julie White Sales Manager SPIN South West

Last year, we welcomed 10,000 students from Limerick, Galway, Cork, Athlone Tralee and Dublin and this year we have widened our list of visiting colleges to include LIT Thurles and Royal College of Surgeons. Tickets are only €5 per person which offers a great day's entertainment for students and punters alike. First race is off at 4:25pm so arrive early to enjoy all the action. This day is also popular for staff sports and social groups looking for a "spring party". As well as racing, a SPIN South West DJ Colm O’Sullivan shall be broadcasting live from the races and then after racing popular student band "Recoil" shall take to the stage. So students and punters mark Thursday 29th March in your diaries now as it is a day you will not want to miss.

Tickets can be purchased on www.limerickraces.ie or on the gate on the day. More information available on 061 320000 For Further Information contact: Russell Ferris on 061 320000 or email: info@limerickraces.ie