Step right up – Irish racing circus unpacks for Laytown's 150th anniversary

The Irish racing circus will set up at Laytown beach on Thursday, just as it has since racing was first recorded at the County Meath venue in 1868, and manager Kevin Coleman promises the 150th anniversary meeting won’t disappoint.

Coleman may be preaching to the converted as the early entries suggest all seven races will be fully subscribed. The list features British trainer Jamie Osborne and the Melbourne 10 Racing Club, who look set to be represented by six to eight runners.

With hospitality at the racecourse having been fully booked since February and the weather expected to be largely clear, Ireland’s only beach racecourse is set to be as popular as ever.