Gowran Park launched the Red Mills Race Day, to be held on Saturday 15th February, by inviting over 200 local school children to the racecourse this morning (Friday 7th February) to take part in a range of activities. They were joined by TJ Reid & Tommy Walsh from the Kilkenny hurling team and National Hunt Jockeys Patrick Mullins and Paul Townend. KCLR broadcasted live from the track.
The children were entertained by Marie-Lou Donnelly from ‘Front Runner – Racing Club for Kids' with racing games, puzzles and quizzes.
Marie-Lou showed the pupils racing silks, horse shoes, racing tack, and feed. They met Eddie Scally, Gowran Park Racecourse Manager, to learn how he and his team prepare for race days. Jockeys Patrick Mullins and Paul Townend also chatted to the children about their experiences as jockeys.
Patrick and Paul put hurling stars, TJ Reid and Tommy Walsh to the test on a horse simulator.
Eddie Scally, Manager of Gowran Park, commented:
"We are delighted to be running Red Mills Race Day at Gowran Park for the 33rd consecutive year. This year's focus will be on family fun and we expect a fantastic day for children of all ages. Our most appropriately dressed junior competition will surely bring an element of style and colour to the event and with live entertainment all day, a carnival atmosphere can be expected."
All the pupils received a goodie bag at the end of the day which included complimentary tickets to the races at Red Mills Race Day at Gowran Park.
Joe Connolly, Managing Director of Connolly's Red Mills said: "In our 33rd year of RED MILLS sponsorship at Gowran Park, it gives us great pleasure to support the local community along with the wider racing industry, in this fantastic facility right on our doorstep. It's particularly special with Gowran celebrating 100 years."
The Red Mills Race Day takes place on Saturday 15th February with plenty of free children's entertainment including indoor bouncy castles, rodeo bull, face painting and a kiddies disco. The race day will also feature a Best Dressed Junior Competition. The competition is open to boys and girls aged 14 and under. The winner will receive a family adventure break to the 4-star Carlton Hotel and a family pass to Tayto Park in County Meath. The winner will also select the Best Turned Out horse in the parade ring before the Red Mills Trial Hurdle.
