Racecourse in Randox boost

Racecourse in Randox boost

5 February 2025

DOWNPATRICK Racecourse has been given a massive boost with the announcement that Randox is to continue its sponsorship of the Ulster National.

The Ulster National, which has been run at Downpatrick since 1939, is one of the highlights of the racing year in Northern Ireland.

Randox, whose racing portfolio has included the Aintree Grand National since 2017, has announced the renewal of their sponsorship of the Ulster National for the next five years, from 2025 until 2029.

The company will also sponsor 10 additional races at Downpatrick during each year.

This year’s Randox Ulster National will be held on Sunday, March 30, and will be run over a distance of three miles and four furlongs, with a generous prize fund of €50,000.

Randox is a global innovative healthcare diagnostics company, based in Crumlin, Co Antrim, and was founded in 1982 by Dr Peter FitzGerald, a medical scientist and keen horseman.

Randox’s sponsorship at Downpatrick began in 2020, with a five-year term having just come to an end.

The renewal of this sponsorship for a further five years is being described as a positive move for the racecourse and will certainly add to the excitement of the Ulster National for the next five years.

Dr FitzGerald said: This is an incredibly exciting time to be extending our partnership with Downpatrick Racecourse for the Randox Ulster National.

“Racing is a sport everyone can enjoy, from all different walks of life, and a partnership with Downpatrick offers us a fantastic opportunity to share our message of preventative health with a wide and engaged audience.

“The past five years, Randox has expanded into a strong and growing network of clinics across the UK and Ireland, giving everyone the access they need to unlock their health. We look forward to the next five years of the Randox Ulster National.”

Ruth Morrison, Downpatrick Racecourse manager said: “We are thrilled that Randox has committed to extending their sponsorship of the Randox Ulster National at Downpatrick 

Racecourse for another five years, along with 10 additional races each season.

“The partnership over the past five years has been fantastic and we are excited to continue building on that success.

“Randox’s involvement in high profile races such as the Grand National at Aintree highlights their dedication to our sport. We are proud to have them as a key partner in our racing community.” 

She added: “We would like to thank the FitzGerald family and team at Randox for their continued support and we look forward to the 2025 renewal of the Randox Ulster National on Sunday’s March 30.”

Previous winners of the Ulster National include some well-known names, including Caughoo, winner in 1945 and 1946 before going on to win the Aintree Grand National in 1947.

Another notable winner was Laffy, owned by the Queen Mother, who watched from the stands in 1962.

More recently, Pineau de Re won the race in 2013 and went on to claim the Aintree Grand National the following year.