Photos: Jenny Callanan Photography: Community representatives pictured with estate signs at the annual Pride of Place draw for Laytown Races 2026. Ten participating estates were selected to be paired with runners in the Pride of Place Race ahead of racing on Laytown Strand on Thursday, 10th September.
The countdown to Laytown Races 2026 is officially under way following the annual launch event at Gilna’s of Laytown.
The launch took place on Monday, 17th August and brought together representatives from estates across Laytown, local politicians, An Garda Síochána and members of the wider community.
The evening also included the annual draw for the Pride of Place Race, one of the most popular community elements of the Laytown meeting.
Of the 20 participating estates, ten were drawn from a hat by Horse Racing Ireland CEO Suzanne Eade.
Each of those estates will now be paired with one of the ten runners in the Pride of Place Race when racing returns to Laytown Strand on Thursday, 10th September.
Pride of Place draw adds to community rivalry
The Pride of Place Race has become a major part of the build-up to Laytown Races, with estates around the area following the fortunes of the horse they are paired with on the day.
The first, second and third placed estates will receive vouchers from Elite Garden Centre worth €500, €400 and €300 respectively.
The draw has become known for generating plenty of friendly rivalry between local estates, with participants now waiting to find out which horse will represent them on race day.
The annual launch once again highlighted the strong community connection behind Laytown Races and the role the event plays in the local area.
Patrick Mullins joins launch event
Patrick Mullins was the special guest speaker on the night and entertained those attending with stories from racing.
Des Scahill acted as MC for the evening, helping to keep the event moving and adding to the atmosphere throughout the launch.
With the community draw now completed, attention turns firmly to race day itself.
Laytown Races remains one of the most distinctive fixtures in the Irish racing calendar, with horses and jockeys competing on the strand in a setting unlike any other racecourse in the country.
Racing returns on 10th September
Laytown Races 2026 takes place on Thursday, 10th September, with the first race due off at 4.40pm.
The annual meeting is expected to once again draw a strong crowd to the East Meath coast for an evening of racing and local celebration.
Event details
Laytown Races 2026
Date: Thursday, 10th September
Location: Laytown Strand
First race: 4.40pm
