Laytown expected to buck the trend for iconic beach fixture

Irish racecourse attendances were down by 8.8 per cent for the first half of 2022 but Laytown is expected to buck the trend with advance ticket sales suggesting a big crowd will gather for the beach meeting on September 8.

Racegoers attended last year but due to government restrictions organisers were forced to move the unique fixture from its traditional September slot to November 1, and only 2,490 people showed up, compared with 6,204 when it operated at full capacity in 2019.

Although the majority of racing fans will have their eyes drawn to Irish Champions Weekend on September 10-11, Laytown's general manager Kevin Coleman is looking forward to welcoming back a capacity crowd on September 8.

He said: "Online bookings are quite strong so far. We expect people to arrive on the day also and pay at the gate, which they can, but there’s an early indication we’re going to have a good crowd. It’s all positive.”

Coleman acknowledges the nature of the meeting is a major draw, but understands that not everyone is there to watch the racing, at least not all day.

He said: “A lot of people come to Laytown without an interest in racing. It’s an event they go to see for a few hours to say they’ve been there and they tip on. It’s a social event for lots of people."

This year's fixture at Laytown will take place on September 8Credit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Due to an unprecedented rise in running costs, organisers have discontinued corporate hospitality at the once-a-year fixture.

“We’re using the area that would have been taken up by the corporate marquees to provide better facilities," said Coleman. "We’ll have a food court with many varieties, with plenty of seating and something for everyone.”

The Pride Of Place Maiden has become a popular contest since it was introduced at Laytown in 2019 and there has been a good boost in sponsorship ahead of this year’s running.

Every estate, residential area or townland in the vicinity of Laytown will enter the draw and be allocated one of the ten runners, with the winning party collecting a €400 voucher for Pat’s Nurseries, Laytown.

The winning residents group will also be invited to the parade ring for a special presentation alongside commentator Dessie Scahill.

Coleman said: “It’s a great idea. It brings the race meeting and the locals together in a way not many other fixtures can. We’re looking forward to getting back. Hopefully, the weather plays ball."

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