Although 2020 has somewhat been a write off for sporting events and trips abroad, we cannot wait for the amazing trips and racing events to come in the latter months of 2021 when we will hope to be in a more secure and safe environment. Here are our top three picks to get in the diary now for 2021.
Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe
ParisLongchamp - Paris
Sunday 3rd October 2021
It was a real shame that we missed out on this fantastic racing event and the opportunity to see Enable’s swansong performance at ParisLongchamp in what was her final attempt to win this prestigious race for a record third time. Frankie and Enable are a match made in heaven and with each performance, the nation has grown to love this duo more and more. .
Although we could not be there to watch the incredible action in person, it was a joy to be able to watch on live TV and only makes it all the more enticing to get this special race weekend in the diary for next year.
Racing Breaks packages mean that your trip to Paris is stress and hassle free so that you can relax and enjoy your weekend to the maximum. Take your pick from a range of hotels in Paris that offer a comfortable place to stay after an active day at the races. All packages include either Eurostar tickets or if you would prefer flights, these can also be arranged from a number of different departure airports.
Customers who choose to book a package at any of our 4* or 5* hotels receive an invitation to the exclusive Racing Breaks drinks evening on Saturday 3rd on the eve of the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, where guests can enjoy an evening of complimentary drinks whilst listening to a panel of racing celebrities and experts including our very own ambassador, Frankie Dettori.
Packages start from just £349 per person and include the following;
Return Eurostar/Flights to Paris
Two nights’ accommodation at a choice of hotels
Breakfast each morning
Return racecourse transfers
Tickets to ParisLongchamp on Sunday for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe
Invitation to Racing Breaks Drinks Evening with Frankie Dettori (4*/5* packages only)
To find out more and make an enquiry click here
Velka Pardubicka
Pardubice - Prague
Sunday 10th October 2021
This is a race that many people do not know much about but it is a must to tick off the bucket list once it comes across your radar. The Velka Pardubicka is like no other race in the world and takes place every year in October at Pardubice racecourse; approximately an hour outside of the beautiful city of Prague.
This race is run over a distance of 4m2.5f with an incredible 31 obstacles and takes place on 8th October. It takes around 9-10 minutes to complete the course and is by no means an easy task with many riders parting company with their horses on the way round. One of the most famous obstacles and also one of the most dangerous is the Taxis which consists of a 1m deep, 4m long ditch with a 1.5m high hedge. In previous years this fence was even more challenging in measurements and has fatally injured around 30 horses over the 143 years of its running. It’s not all doom and gloom though, the true test and variety of obstacles the field have to overcome really does make for an entertaining afternoon.
The race takes place a few miles out from one of Europe’s most fashionable cities, Prague, over a mixture of grass and plough which makes it all the more unique. The only race the Velka Pardubicka can compare to is the most famous steeplechase in the world, the Grand National however, this more historic race is definitely the most dramatic with the variety of surfaces and obstacles that each jockey and horse are faced with.
Packages start from £349 per person and include everything you need to make the most of this exhilarating race.
Return direct flights from the UK to Prague
Return airport transfers
Two nights accommodation at the Grand Hotel Bohemia 5*
Breakfast each morning
Return transfers to Pardubice Racecourse
Ticket to the Velká Pardubická
To find out more and make an enquiry click here
Laytown Races
County Meath - Ireland
Thursday 2nd September 2021
There isn’t anything quite like Laytown races which takes place on the east coast of Ireland, in County Meath about 40 minutes north of Dublin. This day occupies a unique place in the Irish and British racing calendar as it is the only race event run on a beach under the rules of the Turf Club. Racing has been taking place on the strand for over one hundred and fifty years with the first recorded meeting being in 1868 when races were run on the beach in conjunction with the Boyne Regatta.
People travel from far and wide, including many annual overseas visitors, to see this unique event on the beach at Laytown. That word unique is bandied around a lot by promoters of events that have spurious claims to such worthiness but this spectacle is worthy of the moniker because it's the only officially approved beach racing in Europe. Crowds as large as 11,000 turn up to see it every year.
The enclosures at Laytown consist of a three acre field elevated above the beach and the grandstand is hewn from steps cut into the sand dunes. Marquees are erected to use as a weighing room, jockeys' room and bars etc. The course itself is a section of the 3 mile long golden strand, which is closed on the morning of the races, which take place when the tide goes out. If you are expecting a heated indoor bar with Plasma screens showing the action from the beachfront, and a comfortable seating area to be able to take the weight off your feet from time to time then think again, this is for those who are ready to get stuck into the action and soak up the atmosphere like a true racing fan.
This is a great getaway for a small group of friends who want to experience something new and exciting as we head into the cooler months and the National Hunt season gets underway. Packages start from £379 per person and can be booked with a £100pp deposit.
Packages include:
Return flights to Dublin
Return AirCoach transfers from the airport to the hotel
Two nights accommodation at the Academy Plaza Hotel
Breakfast each morning
Dinner on one evening
Return transfers to Laytown
General admission ticket to Laytown Races
To find out more and make enquiry click here.