Out of the gates for Down Syndrome at Mallow
A charity race day for Down Syndrome Centre Cork will take place at Cork Racecourse Mallow next Monday. Taking place on Saturday 4 April, it will mark the opening of the three-day Racing Home for Easter Festival at the racecourse.
The event was launched by four year old Danny Duane, his father Dan, and Cheltenham winning jockey Danny Mullins.
Danny, from Doneraile, is a regular visitor and service end-user at Down Syndrome Centre Cork (DSCC). His father Dan has worked at the Cork Racecourse Mallow for almost ten years.
Together with Danny’s mother Trish, a parent-led committee from DSCC and representatives of the racecourse spearheaded plans for the inaugural DSCC race day.
DSCC is a parent-led charity delivering essential services for children and adults with Down Syndrome across Cork. It offers developmental support, specialist therapies, family support and education programmes.
Last Saturday 21 March marked World Down Syndrome Day. Jockey Danny Mullins said he was delighted to support the event.
“The centre is wholly dependent on donations, corporate support and fundraisers such as this charity race day. I hope it will help to raise awareness and vital funds for service provision at the centre,” he said.
The management of Cork Racecourse Mallow is donating 100% of advance general admission sales and on-the-gate tickets sold to DSCC.
The DSCC Racing Deal is an ideal choice for families - two adult admissions, two racecards, and unlimited children for €50. Every general admission ticket sold will go directly to the charity to help maintain and expand its community-based services. Adult tickets are available online at corkracecourse.ie and all children under the age of 14 go racing free when accompanied by an adult.
Gates open from 12.20pm. The first race sets off at 2.20pm and the last race wraps up at 5.45pm.
A free shuttle bus service will run to and from Mallow Train Station and the town centre. Free parking is also available on-site.
Eoghan O’Grady, the track’s general manager, said the course was delighted to be part of the event. “Young Danny is a real superhero who has brought all of this together and it’s our privilege to support this wonderful centre which helps so many families in our local community.
“We really hope as many people as possible come along to support it on the day,” he said.
General admission, racing bundles, and social pack tickets are available from €20 and panoramic restaurant dining options start from €75 per person.
The Panoramic Restaurant Experience features a reserved table in the panoramic restaurant, a three-course meal, admission, racecard, private bar and betting facilities, plus a balcony overlooking the entire racecourse.
Public catering offerings from full carvery restaurant meals to fast food favourites and everything in between is available at the racecourse.
The three-day Racing Home for Easter Festival continues on Sunday 5 April with an impressive jumps card.
Bank Holiday Monday 6 April features jump racing alongside a Family Fun Day packed with off-track entertainment for children.