Laytown Races colouring competition launched by Paul Townend May 2024

Leading jockey Paul Townend was guest of honour at the annual launch of the Laytown Races colouring competition at Scoil an Spioraid Naoimh, National School, on Friday 24th May 2024. This year entrants are being asked to colour in a specially designed drawing by renowned horse racing cartoonist Darren ‘Birdie’ Bird.

Two groups of approximately 100 students listened to six-time Champion jockey Paul Townend speak about how he got involved in horse racing and what it means to him. A terrific round of questions followed, from which they learned that his favourite horse is State Man, his most memorable win was the Randox Grand National which he won this year aboard I Am Maximus. He was even asked how many winners he had needed to afford the Porsche car he had driven up in, to which he answered that it was a treat to himself after a very successful year.

Jessica Cahalan, Manager of the Laytown Races said, “Paul was just brilliant with the kids. He spoke to them about how he is currently suspended from racing, reminding them of the importance of following the rules. Also getting across to them that they need hard work and dedication to succeed in whatever they might be interested in. They all seemed keen to get involved with the colouring competition and we can’t wait to see the entries on display at the Laytown Races on Monday 16th September.”

All the students from Scoil an Spioraid Naoimh will have the chance to enter the racing themed colouring competition, by colouring in the drawing of a horse ridden by a jockey holding an ice-cream on Laytown beach. Entries will be judged on three age categories.

The Laytown Race Committee will sponsor gift cards for each category as follows: first prize €50, second prize €30 and €20 for third prize plus a number of highly commended prizes to be won.