'Star' studded line-up for Down Royal

Record-breaking National Hunt champion jockey, Richard Dunwoody, was at Hillsborough Castle last week to launch this year's festival, which will see a magnificent line-up of jockey's and horses, not least of all, the world's most famous steeplechaser, Kauto Star.

The prestigious event sees the return of Kauto Star, who will line up in the weekend's feature Grade 1 race, the JNwine.com Champion Chase.

Dunwoody, one of the most successful jump jockeys in history, outlined a race card packed with top jockeys and horses. Speaking at the launch, he said: "The Northern Ireland Festival of Racing is the equivalent of having the chance to see the top premier league footballers or formula one drivers, right here in Lisburn. The horses and riders appearing over the two days are at the very top of their game. No doubt all eyes will be on the world's most famous steeplechaser, Kauto Star, when he lines up, but with prize money totalling more than 409,000 Euro, there will be plenty more to keep an eye on over the two days racing."

The quality of racing is spread across the two day Festival with 14 races and more than 250 horses lining up.

Mike Todd, Down Royal Racecourse Manager said: "It is fabulous to have a home grown Northern Ireland champion with us today to launch Down Royal's 2010 Northern Ireland Festival of Racing. The Festival is renowned for the excellent quality of racing but we are trying to make it even more than that. The success on the track has allowed Down Royal to create a unique destination, where everyone can experience the thrill of a day at the races, whether they take advantage of our hospitality packages or simply enjoy the superb new facilities available to every racegoer at Down Royal."

Chairman James Nicholson added: "I think it is incredible what Down Royal is doing in the racing world. We are inviting racegoers to soak up the racing atmosphere and enjoy the superb facilities. This particular festival has put the Northern Ireland racetrack on the world map and that can only be good for everyone connected. This year's festival will be bigger than ever with confirmation from Paul Nicholls that Kauto Star will be entered in this year's JNwine.com Champion Chase."

To book tickets or for more information contact 028 9262 1256 or visit www.downroyal.com.