This week's column: Opportunity knocks for the Dublin Racing Festival, but will Leopardstown answer? RTs appreciated. attheraces.com/blogs/kevin-bl…
@kevinblake2011 @AtTheRaces We come over from Liverpool and not missed one so far. We also do Cheltenham but DRF is different gravy, we love it. Brilliant racing, easy to get food and drink, and cheaper as well. Plus its a proper crowd. From a selfish point of view, I kind of hope it stays that way.
@kevinblake2011 @AtTheRaces If it falls on an Ireland home six nations fixture the Dublin hotels get extortionate to the point it would put you off traveling from farther afield, when planning dates that's something they should try and avoid clashing with
@kevinblake2011 @AtTheRaces Went last year and going again this year (the reception you mention about some of the greats was exactly what Honeysuckle received!) the hotel costs are the most prohibitive,Ireland at home in the Tory rugby last year meant a serious lack of bar staff as well,the Sunday was grand
@kevinblake2011 @AtTheRaces Got my 2 days for 50 euros, looking forward to it!
@kevinblake2011 @AtTheRaces Any advice - I’m flying in on the Sunday morning, what’s the best way to get from the airport to the course? Then is there a shuttle bus to Dublin after racing?
@kevinblake2011 @AtTheRaces I’m fairness Kevin what is a sell out at Leopardstown? Figures ?
@kevinblake2011 @AtTheRaces @TomPodd9 must Have seen my thread 😂
@kevinblake2011 @AtTheRaces I think you need to be careful what you wish for. By attracting a sell out crowd and enticing non racing purists,will turn the event into the exact thing that people hate about Cheltenham. Sat last year clashed with Rugby and lead to a shortage of staff, but Sun was much better.
@kevinblake2011 @AtTheRaces I can get from Manchester to the DRF quicker and cheaper than I can to get to Cheltenham and get home earlier. And that’s before I get on to the fact it’s better racing in front of a better crowd.
@kevinblake2011 @AtTheRaces Went to both Cheltenham and DRF last year. The racing at the latter was exceptional but the on course experience for drinks/food was almost as shambolic as Cheltenham. A big chunk of the crowd at Cheltenham just wanted to be seen to be there whilst DRF better atmosphere