You’re going to be hearing the “C-word” more and more over the coming weeks. And even though Halloween is not yet done and dusted, the Christmas items are already creeping into the shops, not to mention the adverts of telly. Despite many of us wanting to keep Christmas at arm’s length until December, it’s also good to be prepared, particularly when it comes to booking popular activities. The annual Panto at the Grand Opera House books up quickly, and if you aren’t on the ball early with bookings for festive days out like Santa’s Cottage in Hilltown, then you may end up with some disappointed kids.
However, an underappreciated Christmas event is the Boxing Day races at Down Royal. Late December creates a huge draw for racing across the UK and Ireland, with events that include the King George VI Chase at Kempton and the two-day Christmas Festival at Leopardstown, which starts on Boxing Day. These are big betting events away from the courses, but the crowds brave the cold weather to see the action in person. Down Royal is no different.
New CEO has revamped the Down Royal experience
The racecourse, which is located a few miles west of Lisburn city centre, has, in truth, come on leaps and bounds since Emma Meehan took over as CEO in November 2018. Meehan has focused on bringing world-class talent to the racecourse. A few weeks ago, for example, the legendary jockey Frankie Dettori popped up for this first-ever appearance at Down Royal. That would have been unthinkable just a few years ago.
Meehan has also put a focus on the hospitality elements of the race-day experience, with incredible food packages on offer to give race-goers a chance to sample fine dining between races. As for the Boxing Day event has grown in stature in recent years, becoming a traditional day out as families and friends consider something different from digesting turkey in front of the television.
The family-friendly vibe is an important aspect of Boxing Day, with free entry for U14s accompanying a ticket-holding adult. Full-price tickets for adults come in at £20, with discounts available for OAPs and group bookings, the latter of which is a popular choice for Boxing Day. There is a variety of hospitality options for those wishing to splash out, ranging up to the private suite hire for up to 40 guests.
Boxing Day action showcases hurdles and chases
Boxing Day is at the height of the jumps season in UK and Irish racing, so you will be treated to seven hurdles and chase races on the card. The gates open at 10.30, with the action going on from lunchtime to the early evening. While the likes of Willie Mullins and Henry de Bromhead will have business at Leopardstown, you’ll likely see horses from their yards, including up-and-coming talent that might be the next big thing.
If we could offer one criticism about Down Royal, the transport links are not what one would hope for at a premium racing event. This is not the fault of Down Royal, which has done everything to help people get to and from the races, including offering free car parking on-site.
But the racecourse is let down by public transport access, which, of course, is a general grumble in NI at the moment. Having a designated driver is a must. But a taxi or private bus hire is a must for parties looking to have a few tipples on site. Whatever you do, make sure you have transport arranged for pick up. We all know what taxis are like around Christmas, so the last thing you want to do is stand in the cold waiting for a pickup after the races have finished.
It’s definitely worth checking out. For many groups, Down Royal on Boxing Day has become a tradition in itself. Families and groups of friends make the trip out for the afternoon, have a few wagers, food, and a few drinks, and spend the afternoon in the company of like-minded people having a great time. Many of those who try it out for the first time tend to come back again and again. Your Boxing Days may never be the same again.
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