As racing festivals go Navan Racing Festival is still in it’s early day but anyone attending since the launch of the festival, just three years ago, will tell you it’s a great weekend, building a reputation to stand with any other. The businesses around the vicinity are seeing the upsurge in the tills with hotels, restaurants, bars getting the much needed custom. Yes ann there is great racing too!

Last Thursday saw a prelude to the weekend with Gallops Morning  and Press Launch featuring a number of potential runners from four of Meath’s trainers including, Gordon Elliott, Gavin Cromwell, Thomas Gibney and the upcoming Ian Donoghue.  Fresh from his success on Wednesday with a fine treble at Fairyhouse, Cromwell’s yard appears to be finding form as we move into the festival. Veteran trainer Noel Meade also celebrated his 3000th winner on Wednesday and indeed over the years produced noteably winners at Navan too.

Gavin Cromwell in fine form after his treble at Fairyhouse pictured with Navan General Manager Ciaran Flynn.

David Jennings interviewing some of  Meath top trainers including Gordon Elliott and Thomad Gibney below.

The weekend’s feature race is the The Bar 1 Betting Troytown Chase on Sunday, an open race with plenty of contenders but a bit too early to form opinions until the four day declarations are out. Other topline races include  the BAR 1 Betting Fortria Chase and the Grade 2 Railway Bar Lismullen Hurdle.

Elliott was looking for more rain at the press launch but will have plenty of ammunition on the day and over the two day festival. Dont be surprised with any other of the Meath based trainers being in the winning enclosures, they will all be tryiny for glory over the weekend.

On Saturday the ladies are welcome to dress for the occasion with The Bellinter House Hotel & Spa Style Competition takinf place on the opening day of the festival judged by Mandy Maher.

Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council, Cllr Sarah Reilly and Cllr Joe Fox, Dunboyne attended the presss launch to Thursday at Navan Racecourse giving support to the upcoming fourth racing festival.

Sharon Mohan (left) and Anita Corrigan (right) from Bellinter House Hotel & Spa pictured with Paula McCaul Ceo of Meath Chamber of Commerce (centre) at the launch last Thurdsay

There will be plenty of live music and hospitality on offer over the two day programme with free transport availble in an out of the track.

The Navan Racing Festival is the ultimate celebration of sport, style, entertainment, and community spirit – a weekend not to be missed! Best priced tickets on sale now for just €25pp. For more infomation chek out www.navanracecourse.ie 

Racing updates to follow with tips to follow