Longines Irish Champions Weekend - Curragh Races Hospitality
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Longines Irish Champions Weekend
Longines Irish Champions Weekend
Welcome
WHERE THE BEST IN THE WORLD MEET
Thank you for booking your package with
us, we do appreciate your business and we Longines Irish Champions Weekend is one of the biggest social and sporting events in
look forward to meeting you over the
weekend. Ireland. Get involved in a jam-packed programme over the two-day event which takes place
across two world-class racecourses, Leopardstown in County Dublin and The Curragh in
The information contained in this brochure County Kildare.
is intended to give details on all of the Longines Irish Champion Weekend is the unmissable event of the year and takes place at
weekend’s events even though only some
may apply to you directly. Leopardstown on Saturday 15th and at the Curragh on Sunday 16th September 2018.
The Weekend will be action packed with the focus on showcasing Ireland as a world centre
Please do read on and let us know if we of excellence for horse racing and breeding.
can be of further assistance to you.
Getting Here
Arriving at Dublin Airport Arriving as a Group
- -
Dublin is the nearest Airport to The Curragh, and flights from Taxis in Ireland will usually take a maximum of 4 passengers per
all over the world are available year round. There are two journey, there are some 8 seater taxis available but are few and far
terminals at Dublin—Ryanair flights always use Terminal 1 between. If you are travelling with over 4 people together our
and Aer Lingus and most other international flights use recommendation is that you pre-book airport transfers with us.
Terminal 2. Pre-booked charges vary according to the size of the group but start at
If you arrive at Dublin Airport (and if you have booked airport €120 each way for up to 8 passengers.
transfers with us) our driver will meet you at the Meeting
Point in the Arrivals Hall. If you have not booked our Other Transport Options
airport transfer service you can easily obtain taxis from
outside the main terminal building. By Coach
There are several coach operators who depart from each Dublin Airport
Terminal to All Destinations. Our Travel partner Dublin Coach can offer
Approximate Taxi costs
great value return transport which can be viewed on their website here:
Naas Hotels will be approximately €80 each way and the
journey should take on average 40 minutes. By Rail
Kildare Hotels will be approximately €90 each way and the There are no direct rail links to Dublin Airport. If you wish to travel by
journey should take on average 50 minutes. rail you need to take a bus from the Airport terminal to Heuston Station
and take the train to your destination. For more information please click
Clane Hotels will be approximately €70 each way and the here:
journey should take on average 35 minutes.
Dublin City Hotels will be approximately €30 each way and Our Advice
the journey should take on average 20 minutes. A taxi or pre-booked transfer service is by far your best option, as a group
it also can be far cheaper per guest than attempting public transport.
You’ll arrive refreshed and in the shortest time possible.
Please note that journey times will take longer and be more
expensive between our rush hour periods of between 8am and
10am and 4pm and 7pm. Especially on Weekdays.
Your Hotel and Check In
Race & Stay Guests
-
The Hotels we book for our guests are all renowned for their
level of service, quality of food and comfort of their rooms.
We have dealt with them over a number of years and have
excellent relationships with their staff and management.
Generally check in is from 2pm onwards. When you arrive
please go to the reception desk and present them with your
booking confirmation. You will also need to guarantee credit
facilities by providing a credit card. Early check ins can be
requested by us but are not guaranteed . If you arrive early
please ask the receptionist for changing facilities and
luggage storage.
Check out is usually 12 noon latest, later check outs can be
arranged directly with hotel reception.
We have already pre-paid for your accommodation with
Race & Stay
restaurant breakfast included.
If you require additional services, meals or facilities you can For this season we will provide guest accommodation for over 2,000
arrange and pay for these directly with hotel reception or the guests, book over 1,200 room nights, and book a wide variety of
concierge. You may need to provide a credit card on check in transport and side trips for upwards of 3,500 guests. For the Derby
to guarantee your additional costs whilst you are staying. Festival this year we will manage over 800 guests alone.
Our Advice: If you want an evening meal that you pre-book For all of the big race meetings we have Race & Stay staff in
before you depart the hotel, especially if you are a group. attendance in most hotels from 11am on race days and always at the
racecourses. If you require assistance with your package at any stage
during your trip please do contact us on +353 87 708 9685 we will
try to help.
Racecourse Transport
Race & Stay Guests
-
Each guest will have an individual confirmation which
contains all of the information about the package you have
booked. Including Hotel collection times, hospitality and
ticketing information.
Sometimes this information will need to be amended
according to changes in race schedule, traffic restrictions and
other factors. As part of our service we will keep you informed
as to any changes that may be required.
In respect of guest transport we use only bonded, insured and
regular chauffeur drive, coach and transport companies, who
have been working with us for a number of years and know
what we expect of them in respect of guest care and
management. Their experienced drivers will get you to and
from the Curragh and Leopardstown in safety and comfort and
in good time for the race day(s) you have booked.
Please do….
Your Individual Booking confirmation and / or subsequent Make yourself known to our Race & Stay guest managers at least
emails detail the departure times from each location and on 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time.
each day you have booked for. As a consideration to other Please also provide them with a mobile contact number so we can
guests please do make sure you are ready to travel at the contact you for your return trip.
departure times we have agreed with you. As you will appreciate traffic builds up before and after each race
meeting, we have tried to lessen the travel times by getting you to the
For all of the big race meetings we have staff located in most races early and home again after the main rush has died down. There
hotels we book and always at the racecourses. If you require may be alterations on the day to your departure times due to traffic
assistance at any stage during your trip please do contact us conditions, road works or other factors, we will, of course let you know
on +353 87 708 9685 we will be pleased to help. if any changes are required.
About the Curragh
The Curragh Ticket & Hospitality Guests
- -
The Curragh Racecourse is located on a large grassy plain If you have your tickets please proceed to through the turnstiles
approximately 50km from Dublin Airport and City center on the when you arrive at the main entrance. You are then free to wander
around and use the facilities on course. If you do not have
main M7 / N7 motorway route in the “Horse County” of tickets please go to TICKET COLLECTION located just outside the
Kildare, one of the world’s foremost racing and breeding areas. main entrance they will provide you with your tickets.
Steeped in racing history from the early 17th century the Curragh
runs all 5 classic races throughout the season starting in late May Hospitality Guests
with the Irish Guineas Weekend, late June for the Irish Derby Festi-
val, mid– July for the Irish Oaks and early September for the Irish St -
Leger, now part of the fabulous Longines Irish Champions Weekend. If you have your tickets please proceed to the HOSPITALITY
DESK when you arrive at the main entrance. One of our staff will
Aside from the 5 “classics” the Curragh also runs on 13 other race check you in. If you do not have tickets please go to TICKET
days often featuring high class group racing with some of the best COLLECTION located just outside the main entrance they will
provide you with your tickets. One of our staff will then escort you
international horses and jockeys taking part in truly enthralling rac- to the restaurant you have booked.
ing action.
Some hospitality guests will need to have a wristband to enter and
The Curragh is not just a racecourse, the vast plain encompasses re-enter the hospitality area throughout the day, if they are
Irish Army barracks, training facilities, an equine pool, golf courses required these will be provided on arrival at the Curragh for you.
and is also home to many of the best trainers in the country. A race-
Race cards are provided by us and will be on your tables for you.
course with wonderful limestone turf of nearly 2 miles in horseshoe Our staff will escort you to your restaurant and the Maître D will
shape the horses run right handed across mildly undulating turf to a seat you at your table. The food and service at the Curragh is ex-
slightly uphill finish. It is widely recognized as one, if not the best, cellent, the table and seats you have been allocated are yours for
racecourses in the world. the day so please do go explore the course and many other events
that happen throughout the meeting.
PLEASE NOTE: No hospitality location at The Curragh offers
direct views of racing or the racetrack.
Curragh Site Layout 2018 We have now said farewell to the old Curragh grandstands and whilst we are undergoing rebuilding we have fabulous new temporary facilities available for our guests which will be in place until our new grandstand is completed ready in time for the 2019 season. Please note that there are no direct views of the racetrack from any hospitality location. Please do not let this deter you from visiting, the temporary facilities are of the highest quality and afford you excellent restaurant, viewing and betting areas, in some cases better than the old grandstands did! And for those customers who have booked tickets only you will have a wide choice of bars and eateries throughout the racecourse to enjoy throughout the day.
About Leopardstown
Leopardstown Ticket & Hospitality Guests
- -
About Leopardstown If you have your tickets please proceed to through the turnstiles
Leopardstown racecourse is a leading international racecourse and when you arrive at the main entrance. You are then free to wander
around and use the facilities on course. If you do not have
entertainment venue, offering world-class horse racing and a great tickets please go to TICKET COLLECTION located just opposite
day out. the turnstiles they will provide you with your tickets.
Location and History
Located only six miles south of Dublin city centre, at the foot of the Hospitality Guests
Dublin mountains, Leopardstown racecourse provides the fun and
excitement of horse racing in a quality environment. -
Completed in 1888, the racecourse was built by Captain George If you have your tickets please proceed to the Turnstiles when
Quin and modelled on Sandown Park Racecourse in England. The you arrive at the main entrance. One of the staff will check you in.
Horse Racing Board of Ireland (now Horse Racing Ireland) acquired If you do not have tickets please go to TICKET COLLECTION
Leopardstown in 1967. The track is situated in a 220 acre estate and located just opposite the Turnstiles they will provide you with your
tickets. One of our staff will then escort you to the restaurant you
is a left-handed oval track of one mile and six furlongs with an uphill have booked.
finishing straight.
Some hospitality guests will need to have a wristband to enter and
Race days at Leopardstown re-enter the hospitality area throughout the day, if they are
Leopardstown hosts 23 race days including both National Hunt and required these will be provided on arrival at the course for you.
Flat racing highlights. These include the famous Christmas Festival,
Race cards are provided by us and will be on your tables for you.
January Jumps, the Irish Gold Cup and the Longines Irish Champions Our staff will escort you to your restaurant and the Maître D will
Weekend in September. seat you at your table. The food and service at Leopardstown is
Leopardstown also hosts a number of Ladies Days, the key dates excellent, the table and seats you have been allocated are yours
being the Irish Gold Cup in February, the Longines Irish Champions for the day so please do go explore the course and many other
Weekend in September and Lexus Day, which is the third day of the events that happen throughout the meeting.
Leopardstown Christmas Festival. PLEASE NOTE: There are no guarantees of direct views of
racing or the racetrack from your table.
Hospitality Food and Menus Hospitality Guests Food and Menus We do realise that some guests require slightly different meal options perhaps due to allergies, food preferences and for medical reasons. Our caterers at both The Curragh and Leopardstown will endeavor to satisfy any special requirements that you may have. There are allergen points located near the cash desk in all restaurants and their helpful staff will assist you in any way possible. Please do tell the restaurant manager or your server BEFORE ordering if you have questions or concerns about any item on the menu.
Leopardstown Saturday 15th September Irish Champion Stakes Day Itinerary The QIPCO Irish Champion Stakes and the Coolmore Gates Open approx 12pm Fastnet Rock Matron Stakes are the highlights on the First Race approx 3:25pm opening afternoon at Leopardstown with the latter Last Race approx 7:20pm being ranked as the world’s best fillies and mares’ Event Ends approx 9.30pm race in 2017. A prestigious eight-race card offers a Please note: that timings may be subject to alteration on the day. total prize fund of €2.45 million and features five Group races, a new Listed contest and two high-class handicaps each valued at €150,000. Day one at Leopardstown features some of the best flat racing in the world and is a wonderful Irish sporting occasion not to be missed. Alongside top quality racing is a programme of events including Longines Prize for Elegance. Enjoy one of the best days racing in the world along with elegant fashion, and off-track entertainment including music, gourmet food and beverages. Our Hospitality is in the excellent CHAMPIONS PAVILLION where you will experience premium hos- pitality in the Leopardstown Pavilion with exclusive track-side views of the finishing straight. The Pavilion is a superb location to enjoy one of the most glamorous race meetings on the international racing calendar. The package includes: admission, reserved table in the pavilion, race programme, buffet style dining, mini afternoon tea, MC/Tipster, Tote betting facilities.
Curragh Sunday 16th September
Irish St Leger Day Itinerary
Day 2 of the Irish Champions Weekend rolls over to 08.30 TB Trail Registration
The Curragh for a feast of top class racing. There are 09.30 to 12.00 Curragh Thoroughbred Trails
four Group 1 races on the eight-race card and pride 11.30 Gates open to public
of place goes to the Comer Group International Irish • 14.00 EBF Bold Lad Premier Handicap 6f
• 14.35 Moyglare “Jewels” Blandford Stakes (Group 2)
St Leger, the final Irish Classic of the season. • 15.10 Derrinstown Stud Flying Five (Group 1)
Add adventure to your day and book our popular • 15.45 Moyglare Stud Stakes (Group 1)
Thoroughbred Trail. The trail brings you an exciting • 15.55 Longines Prize of Elegance
opportunity to go behind the scenes at many of the • 16.20 Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes (Group 1)
leading training yards and stud farms. • 16.55 Comer Group International Irish St Leger (Group 1)
• 17.30 Tattersalls Ireland Super Auction Sales Stakes
• 18.05 EBF Northfields Premier Handicap 12f
Treat your taste buds to a day of food and beverages
at the Curragh and enjoy our Artisan Food Village Hospitality Restaurants close at 7pm, Bars Close at 7.30pm
featuring some of Kildare’s leading food producers.
The Parade of Champions will be taking place in the Please note: that timings may be subject to alteration on the day.
parade ring after the first race. The line-up
includes many equine legends past and present.
A number of these horses used the world famous
Curragh Training Grounds in their preparations for
big race successes.
A host of international Trainers and Jockeys target
this day as an opportunity to showcase some of their
established equine stars as well as trying to win some
of the valuable prize money on offer.
A spectacular end to another year’s Irish Champions
weekend and a day not to be missed by any serious
racing fan.What to Wear What shall I wear? There is no formal dress code except no offensive dress anywhere and no sportswear, shorts or t shirts please in the hospitality areas. Especially on big race days guests do dress for the occasion. Ladies tend to wear dresses with hats, Gentlemen wear suits or slacks with a collared shirt and jacket. Formal wear is not at all necessary. Smart casual works always on all race days but you are very welcome to dress how you feel most comfortable. The choice is yours how you dress for the day, and of course the weather. For Ladies Wear what is appropriate for the weather, what you feel most comfortable in and also what is suitable for the environment you are booked for. Hospitality guests usually dress up for the occasion, Ticket only guests tend to be less formal in their choice of outfit. A nice dress, Trouser suit or Top and Skirt will always work well in any location, Hats look great, whether they be fascinators or headwear. Block colours work as well as do simple plain colours or designs, again, dress in what makes you feel good and your confidence will shine through. Racing is a long day out and good shoes are important. Those nice looking trendy killer heels may end up being your worst enemy at the end of the day. Gentlemen Again wear what is most appropriate for the weather, you cant go wrong with a good suit or quality slacks, collared shirt and tailored jacket. No T shirts or sportswear, smart casual is fine and is generally the rule. If you have booked hospitality you’ll find most guests will dress up, but the wearing of jackets and ties is by no means compulsory. If you have booked tickets only then the attire tends to be much more casual and as always don’t forget that a good pair of comfortable shoes is a godsend. Our advice is to have a glam day out and go for it !!!
Bookmakers and Betting Betting On Course There are two betting options in Ireland, The Tote and Bookmakers. The Tote The Tote is pool betting similar to the USA and other EU counties. Tote staff will come around your tables and be available in various locations on course throughout the afternoon to take your bets and hopefully pay out as well !! Trifecta’s, Exacta’s and other exotic type bets are available on nearly every race. Please ask your tote staff if you have any questions about what bets are available on each race. Bookmakers Bookmakers offer bets according to the price shown on their board for each horse at the time of the bet. Odds are displayed as fractions e.g. 2/1 which means if you bet €1 you get €2 back plus your stake. When you place a bet with a bookmaker they will give you a ticket which shows your bet and the potential return should you win. Most bookmakers will also take bets on “away races” that is races at other Irish and UK racecourses. Bookmakers are located in the betting ring (as its called) which is a fast paced, lively and noisy place. Bookmakers often vary in the odds they offer on each horse so do shop around for the best value. They may also take bets with or without the race favourite and each way bets for a horse to be placed in the first 2 in races up to 8 runners, first 3 in races of 8 or over runners and the first 4 in races that are handicap’s with 16 or more runners. If in doubt please do ask the bookmaker before you place your bet. As soon as you have placed your bet please look at your ticket and make sure that it is correct as mistakes cannot be rectified during or after a race.
Finally
Currency Exchange & ATM’s Welcome
There are ATM machines at the racecourses but they are always busy We look forward to meeting you at Leopardstown and at the
on big Race Days. Restaurants and Bars do take Cash, Visa, Curragh. If we can help you in any way whilst you are with us
MasterCard and Visa Debit cards for any transaction if required. please do call us, or ask a Race & Stay staff member, we will do all
We do not accept American Express or Diners Cards in any area. we can to make your stay and day or days at the races memorable
ones.
Our advice is to ensure that you have enough Euro’s before you arrive We are Here to Help
and to only use the ATM’s if you have to. We are here to help you enjoy the best racing trip possible. If you
have any questions about this document or your package please
contact us before you depart at: info@curraghhospitality.com
Safety and Security Race & Stay staff are in attendance at most Hotels and always at
As you will appreciate guest safety and customer security are prime the racecourse at every race meeting. If you require assistance
concerns at the racecourse and hotel. Please ensure that you use during your stay with any item concerning your package please do
safety deposit boxes for valuables and that you take care of your call +353 87 708 9685
possession's at all times.
You may have bag’s searched on entry to the racecourse, this is quite Céad míle fáilte
normal and is now an additional security measure taken by all stadia
One hundred thousand welcomes, to Ireland, and The Longines
and event management. Please observe any instruction from security
Irish Champions Weekend in 2018.
staff and management at each venue you are located at.
Health and Wellness
If you unfortunately fall ill during your stay please inform a staff
member at your hotel who can arrange medical assistance for you.
If you are unwell at the racecourse there are trained first aid
personnel and Garda (Police) officers always in attendance and they
will tend to any requirement you may have.
In an emergency please dial 999 you will be asked what service you
require to assist you. Fire, Police or Ambulance.You can also read
