All things Irish celebrated at Fontwell Park - preview and tips

The racecourse is inviting everyone to join them for an afternoon of jump racing and Irish-themed fun.

On the track, a card of seven races begins at 1.55, with the last race off at 5.25.

Tips: 1.55 Desert Queen, 2.30 Star Presenter, 3.05 North Germany, 3.40 Jean Fleming, 4.15 Dubawi Island, 4.50 Reblis, 5.25 Bridal Suite.

St Patrick’s Day may have been on Tuesday but the picturesque course will celebrate in style on Saturday with lots of activities. Racegoers with red hair, or named Patrick or Patricia, go completely free.

For rugby fans, the RBS 6 Nations action will be live on the big screen and there will be plenty of food and drink on offer in the Fuller’s rugby tent.

Irish band The Cracklin’ Griffins will perform in the premier enclosure after the races and a Jack FM air guitar competition to win your weight in Crabbies Ginger Beer will finish off the day of fun for everyone.

Simon Williams, Fontwell Park executive director, said: “We have really gone the extra mile this year and are confident our 2015 St Patrick’s Day raceday will be unforgettable.

“The day will showcase some quality National Hunt horses from across the UK throughout seven races, but our itinerary of activity and fun on the day in addition to the racing is endless.

“Alongside the rugby on the big screen, racegoers have to be in it to win it with our Luck of the Irish Random Acts of Kindness throughout the day.

“Our lucky leprechauns will be inconspicuously walking around the course and simply giving away some great prizes, including £100 cash, tickets to our Ladies’ Evening and General Mills Lucky Charms Cereal, with no catch whatsoever.

“Finally we thought we’d make the fun go even further by inviting those with red hair or those named Patrick or Patricia into the event completely free. All they need to do is show their head of hair or identification to prove their name at the gate and, donned with a Guinness hat - free on the gate for these special guests subject to availability - they can jump right into the day ahead.”

A fancy-dress contest will offer a prize of a round of golf for four at West Hove Golf Club.

For further information call 01243 543335, visit www.fontwellpark.co.uk or follow @FontwellPark on Twitter.