There are no events for Today in Down Royal.
See Latest Results Today's Down Royal Tips, Racecards And Results
No races are scheduled for this date.
Down Royal — Meeting report (29 May 2026)
The Down Royal evening meeting on 29 May produced a string of decisive finishes on good ground (good to firm in places; watered). The highlight was the Listed His Majesty’s Plate, where Carmers (5/6) asserted himself under W. J. Lee to take the contest comfortably. There were strong performances across the card: Joseph Patrick O’Brien trained a brace with What About Us and Teologia, while W. J. Lee partnered two winners including the Listed scorer. Several horses were withdrawn or left at the start for health reasons, notably Imperial Dream (nasal discharge) and Alba Chiara (coughing), but the eight scheduled races produced competitive finishes and a handful of clear winners.
Meeting summary
Key talking points: Cashel Blue (9/1) finished strongly to win the opener, What About Us (2/1) made all for a comfortable fillies & mares maiden success, and Faoladh landed the mid-card handicap after a late push. Meriden and Our Lucky Lady both produced determined late gains to take their respective handicaps, while Harmani (3/1) finished strongly to win the penultimate event with a clear margin. The Listed His Majesty’s Plate belonged to Carmers, who tracked the leader before taking up the running under pressure and running on well. Trainers Joseph Patrick O’Brien and Andrew Slattery both enjoyed memorable winners, and jockey W. J. Lee rode a double. Several withdrawals and veterinary issues were reported before some races — these were noted by the clerk-of-the-scales and the starter team.
Latest winners
| Time | Race | Winner | SP | Trainer / Jockey | Brief comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16:30 | BOYLE Sports Money Back If 2nd To SP Fav Handicap | Cashel Blue | 9/1 | K J Condon / W J Lee | Ran on strongly to lead towards the finish. |
| 17:05 | BOYLE Sports Money Back Meetings Every Day Fillies & Mares Maiden | What About Us | 2/1 | Joseph Patrick O’Brien / J M Sheridan | Led 2f out and drew clear, comfortable. |
| 17:40 | BOYLE Sports Extra Places Every Day Handicap | Faoladh | 5/1 | Andrew Slattery / Adam Browne-Souza | Raced prominently, led final 110yds, pushed out. |
| 18:15 | BOYLE Sports Home Of The Early Payout Handicap | Meriden | 8/1 | Denis Gerard Hogan / Chris Hayes | Moved through to lead final 110yds and ran on well. |
| 18:50 | His Majesty’s Plate (Listed Race) | Carmers | 5/6 | P Twomey / W J Lee | Tracked leader, led under 2f out and ran on well to win comfortably. |
| 19:25 | BOYLE Sports Handicap | Our Lucky Lady | 11/4 | P G Fahey / Jessica O’Gorman | Led 3f out, kept on well inside final furlong. |
| 20:00 | BOYLE Sports Daily Racing Rewards Handicap | Harmani | 3/1 | G M Lyons / Colin Keane | Challenged 2f out, went clear inside final furlong, easily. |
| 20:30 | BOYLE Sports Best Odds Guaranteed Maiden | Teologia | 15/8 | Joseph Patrick O’Brien / J M Sheridan | Started quickly, challenged under 2f out and led inside final furlong. |
Notable withdrawals and non-runners included Imperial Dream (nasal discharge), Rappell (off feed), Alba Chiara (coughing) and a number of reserves declared for the late card. Overall, the Down Royal card delivered several authoritative performances — the Listed success for Carmers and the double for Joseph Patrick O’Brien stood out — and the going held up throughout with fair, fast conditions in places.
Down Royal Tips and Today’s Races
Every Down Royal meeting is covered by GG with full race form including racing colours, draw, trainer and jockey stats. GG also provides free tips with all UK and Ireland racecards plus the latest live odds. Our Tip is highlighted on the racecard and you can access the horse’s recent form and analysis by clicking the “Form & Verdict” tab. Our Racing Editor also picks a free daily NAP, Double, Treble, Lucky 15 and best outsider. We also publish the selections of the leading newspaper tipsters.
Down Royal Race Results
Down Royal is one of just two turf tracks in Northern Ireland along with Downpatrick. It plays host to the Northern Ireland Festival of Racing in November which features the Grade 1 Champion Chase. They also race on the flat here in the summer where the June meeting features the Ulster Derby and Ulster Oaks. There are popular evening meetings at Down Royal and a Boxing Day card.
The three-mile Champion Chase was first run in 1999 and was awarded Grade 1 status in 2002. Famous winners include Florida Pearl (1999), Looks Like Trouble (2000), Beef Or Salmon (2004, 2005) and Kauto Star (2008). The course also stages the Grade 2 WKD Hurdle and the Grade 2 Skymas Chase at the November meeting. The WKD Hurdle was promoted to Grade 2 status in 2010 and past winners include Mac’s Joy (2004) and Jezki (2013). The Skymas Hurdle is has been won by the likes of Moscow Flyer (2002) and Don Cossack (2014).
GG publish Down Royal race results within moments of the weigh in being confirmed. The winner, placed horses and SP returns are displayed as soon as possible on Today’s Results & Racecards page. You can also search previous results from the calendar tab beneath the page title.
Racecourse Guide
Established in 1789, this Grade 1 track has seen many champions pass through its gates and remains the “jewel of the North” in Irish racing. A right-handed, undulating course which could be described as “galloping” given it is just short of two miles in circumference, Down Royal presents a true test of a horse’s ability.
The chase course is on the outside of the hurdles track and is very fair with an uphill finish and a short run-in. Hurdles races have a slightly longer run-in and jockeys often take their horses wide here in search of better ground. There is a chute for five furlong sprint races on the flat but horses still race on the turn until the final furlong.
Dining, Hospitality & Facilities
The Shortcross Gin Suite is on the ground floor of the hospitality pavilion overlooking the racecourse. It has its own private balcony and a glass front for clear views across the track. The Pravha Suite is on the top floor and overlooks the parade ring while the exclusive Moscow Flyer Suite is on the first floor of the main grandstand. Corporate Box Hire can cater for up to 16 guests. All hospitality suites have their own private bar facilities and there are various eateries around the course to suit every budget.
Down Royal is near Lisburn in Northern Ireland, approximately 25 minutes by car or taxi from Belfast City centre. The nearest railway station is at Lisburn, 10 minutes from the racecourse.
Tickets
You can book your Down Royal tickets in advance online. There is a £5 discount for senior citizens on general admission. Please enquire for discounts if booking for large groups. You can also reserve your Trackside Marquee Racing Lounge ticket or two-course Premium Hospitality.
The Effect of the Draw
A low draw is an advantage at Down Royal in sprint races. The track favours front-runners and fast starters are very difficult to peg back.
Contact and Location
Down Royal Racecourse, Gravelhill Rd, Lisburn, County Antrim BT27 5RW. Northern Ireland.
Official Website: https://downroyal.com/