Like comedy and racing? A unique tie-in helps you combine the two

Gowran Park in Co Kilkenny aims to cash in on visitors heading to the Kilkenny Cat Laughs Festival by putting on a seven-race card for visitors to the region.

Stars such as Hector as well as comics Jason Byrne, Barry Murphy, Jason Manford and Adam Hills will be appearing at the historic track on Monday June 6th.

Kilkenny city is only a 20 minute drive from Gowran Park which is celebrating 102 years in operation this year.

Comic Al Porter joined up with jockeys and trainers in the parade ring today to help launch the event.

Eddie Scally, General Manager of Gowran Park, speaking at the launch said: "With the expected usual influx of tourists to the city for the festival on the June Bank Holiday weekend we are expecting a bumper crowd to enjoy a feast of racing and comedy at our track on the Monday."

Between races, comics will entertain the crowds with mock bookies, parade ring interviews, comedy commentary and pop-up stand up shows.

Irish comedian, Al Porter said: “I really cannot wait for this day now. The only bet I had before today was my Bette Midler and Davis albums.!"

Naoise Nunn, of The Cat Laughs Festival, said: “This has been a plan for some time now and we are really excited to be bringing our festival to our local track. The Cat laughs Festival is celebrating its 22nd year in 2016 and to partner up with Gowran Park in its 102nd year is a really exciting prospect. We are basically bringing together the two things the Irish do best, comedy and horse racing.”

Tickets are on sale now at www.thecatlaughs.com or call Gowran Park box office on 056 77 26225.

Tickets are priced at €15 per adult with under 18s accompanied by an adult free of charge.