Down Royal – what a wonderful racecourse. Last Saturday I had the chance to visit this one of two racetracks located in Northern Ireland for a first time. Less than two hours by car from Dublin, the the course lies in close proximity of the small but charismatic town Listowel.

This Saturday the racecourse was bathing in the balmy autumn sunshine – a beautiful scene in beautiful surroundings. Stands packed to the limit with keen racegoers, for what is one of the highlights of Down Royal racing calendar- still it never felt uncomfortable at any given time. Friendly, relaxed, laid back… the traits of a great racetrack, exactly the way I like it.

Five out of five stars for Down Royal from me. I absolutely loved it. I’ve seen many tracks in my life, but this one ranks right up there with the best!

Down Royal, 31st October 2015 – Photo Gallery: 
(click photos to view full size; all photos credit Florian Christoph)