Navan Racing Festival promises two days of top-class racing and entertainment

The fourth Navan Racing Festival promises a weekend of top-class racing, entertainment and local celebration, with a host of attractions planned for the two-day meeting.

Gates open at 10am on Saturday and Sunday, with general admission tickets available online for €25. Limited hospitality packages are also available for Sunday’s final fence marquee, including a reserved table, two-course buffet lunch, racecard and private betting and bar facilities.

Saturday’s feature races include the BAR 1 Betting For Auction Novice Hurdle (Grade 3), Railway Bar Lismullen Hurdle (Grade 2) and BAR 1 Betting Fortria Steeplechase (Grade 2). Sunday’s highlight is the BAR 1 Betting Troytown Handicap Steeplechase (Grade 3).

The festival will also feature high-quality maiden hurdles and beginners chases, with previous winners of the latter including Vautour, Al Boum Photo, Douvan, Min and Fakir D’oudairies.

Music will feature throughout the weekend, with Off Limits performing in the stretch tent during racing on both days. Out On Bale will entertain in the festival marquee on Saturday, followed by Peader Farrelly in the Troytown Bar, while The Sandmen take to the marquee on Sunday.

The Bellinter House Hotel & Spa Style Competition takes centre stage on Saturday, with guest judge Mandy Maher selecting the most stylish racegoer. Prizes include overnight stays, dining and spa experiences.

Sunday will also feature a Treo Eile parade celebrating the second careers of five retired racehorses, including champion chasers Energumene and Appreciate It, alongside Darver Star, Allesnick and The Same Again.

Local involvement remains central to the festival, with Meath musicians, bands, caterers and vendors contributing to the weekend. Additional food and beverage units, increased car parking capacity and expanded music entertainment have been introduced.

Shuttle buses will operate from Navan town, with services beginning at 9.45am on Saturday and Sunday and returning racegoers after the final race.