Hundreds of Longford racing enthusiasts to descend on Punchestown today for Gold Cup

There is huge anticipation ahead of what is always a fun and memorable day for Longford horse racing enthusiasts and fashionistas at Punchestown racecourse for the 21st annual Longford GAA Race Day today, Wednesday, April 30.

The highly popular event, in association with main sponsors, Chazey Properties Ltd, is the county board’s main fundraiser and it was launched last week.

Since its introduction back in 2003, the annual race day fundraiser has raised over €1.7 million.

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Lanesboro-based Steve and Marie Peters are delighted to be associated with the event which takes place on the day of the coveted Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup.

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Chairperson of the Race Day organising committee, Martin Skelly said that one of the highlights of the eagerly-awaited race day is the fact that it is such a wonderful opportunity for Longfordians to travel from home and abroad to meet up.

Mr Skelly stated there is fantastic annual support from Longford people for the annual event, with up to 1,000 supporters gathering in the Longford pavilion at Punchestown each year to support the county and that is really great to see.

"It's a great day out for Longford locals and the business community in Longford.

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"It's incredible to see the Longford diaspora who are in Dublin, London, New York and all over the world, it's just a day where Longford people and friends of Longford people get together.

"The Longford Association in London take tables every year and the tables are sold fifty-fifty among our Dublin-based Lonfordians and the local clubs and businesses here in Longford," Mr Skelly added.

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Mr Skelly said Longford GAA is the beneficiary and it is done in conjunction with a 'quality event' and it is an ideal opportunity for people who want to make a contribution and give something back to Longford GAA to do so.

The ticket price of €180 per person or €1,800 for a table of 10 includes a four course meal, entry fee, race day programme, evening tea with sandwiches and finger food, entertainment with a popular Longford band until 10pm and parking.

Mr Skelly said people can dance the night away and it is always a hugely enjoyable day and evening.

There will also be an auction, with All-Ireland tickets up for grabs

"One of the highlights is best dressed lady and best dressed get competition and that will be judged by well-known TV fashion stylist Marietta Doran and we also have a tipster from Racing TV, the great Johnny Ward and RTÉ's Marty Morrissey on MC," he added.

The tickets will also include bar facilities, bookies in pavilion and top class music with a well-known Longford band immediately after the last race until 10pm.

There will also be a raffle with prizes such as five star hotel stays and All-Ireland tickets up for grabs.

Tickets for this year's event are priced at €180 per person or table of ten €1,800. Contact Martin Skelly (086) 804 0296) and John Bannon 086 259 7942 or Dublin Coordinator Padraig Brady 086 241 7560 for more information.

Mr Skelly said there is significant early demand for tickets and since the event is expected to be a sell out, patrons are encouraged to book early.