Tramore is gearing up for one of Ireland’s longest-running and most cherished racing traditions, with the annual four-day Tramore Racing Festival under way since yesterday, and continuing through Sunday.

General manager Owen Byrne says the track is “in a good place” despite an exceptionally dry spell, with the racecourse’s own irrigation system helping to keep conditions safe for horses and riders.

The festival runs from Thursday to Sunday, with a mixture of national hunt and flat racing taking palce.

Friday’s seven-race card includes the Seamus Byrne Electrical Chase, the I.P.R.S. Handicap Chase, the Majestic Hotel Maiden Hurdle, the John Fairbrother Memorial Mares Handicap Hurdle, the Walsh Butler Electrical Mares Maiden Hurdle, the Comeragh Veterinary Kilmackthomas Handicap Hurdle and the Clem Jacob Hire Flat Race at 8.25pm.

Saturday will also feature seven races, with the first race at 4.50pm and the final race at 7.55pm. The card includes the Newly Weds Sara & Nigel Irish EBF Fillies Maiden at 4.50pm, the Griffin Auctioneers Maiden at 5.25pm, the Morris DIY Rated Race at 5.55pm, the Strand Inn Dunmore East Handicap at 6.25pm, the Perennial Freight Handicap at 6.55pm, the Brennan’s Pharmacy Handicap at 7.25pm and the Dan Cowman Memorial Handicap at 7.55pm.

Ticket sales for Friday and Saturday are already well ahead of last year’s bumper figures, while hospitality bookings are fully sold out on both days.

Owen Byrne highlighted the meeting’s importance as a major economic driver for the southeast, with an estimated €3.5–€5 million flowing into the local economy over the four days.

On the track, strong entries are expected from local trainers including David Harry Kelly and John Flavin, alongside leading names such as Henry de Bromhead and Joseph O’Brien.

Off the track, the Sunday family day has grown into one of the festival’s biggest draws, with expanded children’s entertainment helping to push projected attendances towards 30,000, up from 26,000 last year.

With racing continuing through Sunday, the Tramore festival is once again set to bring thousands of people to the town for four days of racing and family entertainment.