€50,000 prize fund confirmed for Grade 2 WKD Hurdle
A €50,000 prize fund has been confirmed for the Grade 2 Hurdle on Day one of the Down Royal Festival of Racing taking place Friday 4th and Saturday 5th November.
The action packed Grade 2 Hurdle on the first day of this year’s Festival, which is once again sponsored by ‘WKD’, has attracted a wealth of talent over the years including the legendary AP McCoy, with last year’s race won by record-breaking jockey Bryan Cooper.
Mike Todd, General Manager at Down Royal, said:
“The Festival of Racing is just around the corner and we’re delighted to confirm a €50,000 prize fund for the Grade 2 WKD Hurdle. Attracting such a high calibre of entrants, the Grade 2 Hurdle is always an action packed race and a highlight of the Festival.
“In recent years, Down Royal has established itself not only as a premier sporting destination in Northern Ireland but also the venue of choice for corporate and social days out alike.
“Our first class facilities, coupled with some of the most exhilarating horse racing in Ireland sees thousands of both seasoned and first time racegoers from across the country flock to the Festival, which this year will take place on 4th and 5th November.
“Down Royal has a long standing partnership with WKD and we’re delighted to have them on board once again, particularly as the brand celebrates its 20th anniversary and unveils a new look.”
Brendan Loughran, Head of Business Unit, SHS Group, which owns the WKD brand, said:
“Down Royal is a world-class venue, and a fantastic backdrop for a great day out. The Festival of Racing is a highlight in the racing and social calendar and we’re thrilled that WKD, Premium Sponsor of the first day of the Festival on Friday 4th November, will be unveiling its new look to racing enthusiasts.
“WKD is an iconic brand, launched in 1996, and its innovative flavour and identity resonates with racegoers here. The new transformational pack design indicates how the WKD brand is metamorphosing as it celebrates its 20th anniversary.
“There are four variants in the WKD range: the original WKD Iron Brew & Blue; WKD Berry and WKD Passion Fruit, which was previously named WKD Blush. Contemporary new bottle shapes with clean, stylish lines incorporate a fresh new WKD marque bringing a sophisticated feel to the design. Adding an element of fun, the new bottle caps come in a variety of bold, bright colours. No fundamental changes have been made to the liquid in terms of flavour or ABV (alcohol by volume) which remains at 4%, and there are no changes to the recommended retail price.”
Racegoers will also be raising the fashion stakes for the WKD Best Dressed Lady competition on Friday 4th November which will see the best outfit win an ‘Ultimate Night Out’ prize package.
Brendan Loughran added:
“To reflect the glamour and elegance of the female racegoer that Down Royal attracts, this year WKD is offering a superb prize for the Best Dressed Lady on Friday 4th November.
“The winner will receive an amazing ‘Ultimate Night Out’ prize which includes a Ciara Daly Makeup session for four people, transfers by limousine, dinner in Belfast City followed by VIP tickets to a top nightclub.”
Gates will open at 11am on both Friday 4th and Saturday 5th November. General admission can be pre-booked online starting at £12 and a range of corporate and hospitality packages are also available with more information at www.downroyal.com