Annual Members’ Trip to Ireland

This year’s Bangor-on-Dee Annual Members trip saw around 30 members travel to Naas, Ireland for two days of racing action!

The first stop on Tuesday morning was Champion Trainer Willie Mullins’ yard in Closutton, county Carlow. Members went out to watch second lot where around 50 horses were working, including Douvan and Kemboy. The famous gallops have produced 65 Cheltenham Festival winners, and counting! A tour of the yard followed where members were able to get up close to some of the many equine stars under Willie’s care such as multiple Grade 1 winners Faugheen and Un De Sceaux and even Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Al Boum Photo.

Next stop was Punchestown Racecourse for their opening day of the season where members were treated to hospitality in the Corinthian Restaurant for both days. The beautiful restaurant overlooks the final furlong of the famous track and is just a short walk from the parade ring.

The second day at Punchestown played host to the Bangor-on-Dee Annual Members Maiden Hurdle. Members viewed the runners from inside the parade ring and chose the best turned out before watching the race from the winning connections suite. Rachael Blackmore rode Beacon Edge to an impressive 10 length success for trainer Noel Meade and Gigginstown House Stud, who were presented the winning trophy by our delighted Annual Members. Hopefully the five-year-old son of Doyen could be one to watch in the future!

Annual Members were in high spirits and praised the trip’s success:

“What a treat for us. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole event which will be memorable. With good weather, company & great food what more could we ask for!!”

“Excellent trip to Ireland. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and your organisation was spot on.”

“Thank you for a great trip to Naas and Punchestown Races last week. Excellently organised with a great hotel and grand facilities at the racecourse. I even managed to pick quite a few winners! The visit to Willie Mullins’ stable was a real highlight too.”

Many thanks must go to the team at Lawlors in Naas for being such fabulous hosts, the team at Willie Mullins’ Closutton Stables for being so kind to have us and the team at Punchestown Racecourse for making our time at the course so special.

Annual Membership at Bangor-on-Dee is extremely popular and badges are in high demand. If you are interested in becoming an Annual Member and being involved in trips such as this and access to 54 days at Bangor-on-Dee, sister course Chester and around the country please visit the Annual Members page and complete the ‘register your interest’ form.