Raciest dresser set to gallop off with 1,000

Neans McSweeney A THOUSAND euro is up for grabs today for the best glad rags worn for a day at the nags.

As the four-day Tramore August Racing Festival kicks into action this afternoon, organisers have teamed up with sponsors to offer the best in racing, live music, children’s entertainment and a Best Dressed Lady competition with a first prize of 1,000.

Large crowds were expected for the family racing event and corporate entertainment packages had sold out, manager Sue Phelan said. Ms Phelan expected more than 30,000 visitors over the next four days. “It’s going to be a fantastic few days of racing. All the top jockeys will be here.

Pat Flynn is going for the leading trainer award for the third time and that should add to the buzz. We’ve everyone here from John Oxx and Dermot Weld to local trainers. It’s a fantastic mix,” she said. Those wining and dining in the corporate enclosure could expect all the facilities of the exclusive hospitality marquee as well as a four-course lunch and hot tips.

“Thursday is traditionally our big day. A lot of the offices in town close and it’s a really good day out. The Best Dressed Lady competition will add to the fashion on the day. “We’ve a big screen, music and we’re even going to be showing the big match on the big screen on Sunday for those who don’t want to miss the hurling between Kilkenny and Tipperary,” Ms Phelan said.

“Sunday will very much be our family day. We’ve loads of entertainment for children, a bouncy castle and the works. Friday, our evening meeting will cater a lot for the younger people and corporate quests.”

Waterford and Tramore racecourse hosted the first New Year’s Day race meeting, the only race meeting held in Europe that day. Crowds of more than 10,000 flocked to the meeting and all previous attendance and betting records were smashed.