Radio documentary to mark 150 years of Laytown Races

The Laytown Races – the only event to take place on a beach under the Rules of Racing in Ireland – has been in existence since 1868 and has grown to become one of the most-loved events on the Irish racing calendar.
 
Every year, race fans from across the globe make the pilgrimage to this tiny seaside village to savour the colour, chaos and fun of this iconic festival.
Racing the Waves, produced by Caoilin Rafferty, airing on LMFM at 1.15 pm on bank holiday Monday, 19th March, is a fly on the wall documentary that follows trainers, jockeys, officials and organisers as they prepare for the 2017 Laytown Races.
 
The races are held at the end of each summer on Laytown strand and locals describe the races as an “extremely nostalgic” event that has become an important cultural occasion for the surrounding area.
 
Some racing experts believe the Laytown Races is the best showcase for horse racing, as the compacted sand makes for a faster surface than the traditional turf tracks.
 
The documentary also gives us an insight into the life of horse trainers and jockeys. Local trainer Adrian McGuinness, takes us on a journey of competitive horse racing in Ireland and reveals how the sea plays a vital role in his training regime.
 
The listener will also discover the enormous effort required to transform a vast stretch of untamed beach into a top-class race track in less than 24 hours as the organisers, trainers, jockeys and horses race against the tide.
 
“To be involved with horses is an addiction and there is no cure for it” - Adrian McGuinness, horse trainer
 
“Everyone wants to ride at Laytown because it’s on a beach, it’s so different and it’s only on once a year and you only get one chance of doing it” - Luke McGuiness, amateur jockey.
 
“When you hear the horses hooves going by, it just gives you goosebumps, the hairs stand up on the back of your neck, it’s just so thrilling, where else would you see it” - Anne Coleman, event organiser
 
“When they come to Laytown and they’re allowed gallop up the beach before a race it often brings a horse alive, they say that, it’s like a new experience for them” - Kevin Coleman, manager, Laytown Races.