The past weekend was an epic one for all of us at Plus2Print.
We held the 5th Annual Plus2Print Remembering Tony Oakes MBE Handicap Chase at Downpatrick Racecourse as part of their double weekend of racing.
Fairly fitting for all of us at Plus2Print the weekend before Father's Day.
Downpatrick Racecourse and their management led by the mercurial Richard Lyttle and his team not only have led a revolution at the old track they've brought it into the 21st-century kicking, and screaming and made it a day out to remember. Facilities are some of the best in Ireland and a warming welcome certainly awaits punters, average joes and connoisseurs alike it really is a fab place for a day out....and if there's a winner to be had then it's all the better it defo raises the adrenaline your just so close to the action!
On the day the two-time Cheltenham champion hurdler, ‘Honeysuckle’, paraded at Downpatrick Racecourse on day one of the two-day meeting on Saturday, June 11 and Sunday, June 12.
The racecourse has named the third race on the card after her and her connections ‘The Congratulating Honeysuckle Connections Handicap Hurdle’. Saturday was a great opportunity to see this wonderful horse – winner of her last 16 races and with prize money winnings in excess of €1 million.
VIP treatment was the order of the day in the newly refurbished Dunleath Suite on Saturday, it's our 5th year remembering our father with the memorial race at the local track, made all the more special by the new arrival of Gavin's daughter Fiona Oakes this past year, it was to be her first sample of the excitement of horseracing and she had a ball, she even had time for a snooze during her Granda's race!!
Tony would have been in his element today, he loved nothing more than being part of the buzz of racing in his home town, naming this race and celebrating this time with family & friends is what he was all about!
He's sadly missed every bit more on days like these.
Well done to all connections of winning horses on the day;
Na Caith Tobac Winner of the PLUS2PRINT Remembering Tony Oakes MBE Handicap Chase with Winning Connections
Trainer: PW Flynn Owner: Miss A Carneyon. Jockey: BP Kennedy
Pictured With Alan & Gavin Oakes Plus2Print
Until next year !!
