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Following a successful inaugural staging last year, the Navan Racing Festival returns with plenty of on and off-track excitement this weekend (November 16/17).

Here’s a look at what to expect…

What are the big races?

There are two Grade 2 races on the opening day of Festival action on Saturday, with The Railway Bar Lismullen Hurdle (1.58pm) and The Bar One Racing Fortria Steeplechase (2.33pm) taking centre stage.

Both have an illustrious list of former winners. Multiple Grade 1 winners Limestone Lad, Apple’s Jade and Sire Du Berlais are among the Lismullen Hurdle roll of honour, while Bob Olinger won last year’s renewal under Rachael Blackmore for Henry de Bromhead.

The same jockey-trainer duo have combined for the last three Fortria victories, with Notebook’s 2021 success backed up by consecutive wins for Captain Guinness.

Moscow Flyer also won back-to-back Fortrias in 2003 and 2004 while Big Zeb won three in a row between 2009 and 2011.

Two Grade 3 races headline Sunday’s action in the form of The John Lynch Carpets & Flooring Monksfield Novice Hurdle (1.20pm) and The Bar One Racing Troytown Handicap Steeplechase of €100,000 (2.30pm).

Who are the contenders?

The Troytown is a race steeped in history and Gordon Elliott is gearing up for another strong challenge as he looks for a seventh win in 10 years.

American Mike headlines the Cullentra charge with reigning champion jockey Jack Kennedy set to take the ride.

"He’s very good fresh, loves it around Navan and he has a nice weight, too,” he said.

“He can give you an unbelievable feel when on song, like when he won the Ten Up last year. When he's on song he jumps very well and is a horse with loads of ability.

"I was 16 when I won the Troytown on Riverside City. He was my first winner over fences and I had a treble as well; it was an unbelievable day.”

What are the trainers saying?

Speaking at the launch of the Navan Racing Festival, Elliott said: "I’m a Meath man through and through so I love coming to Navan. For me it’s one of the best tracks in the country.

“We like starting our good horses off at either Down Royal or Navan in November. It’s a very fair track, the best horse usually wins and we are very lucky it is on our doorstep."

On Perceval Legallois, Gavin Cromwell added: "He has threatened so many times, he’s fallen when looking like winning at Leopardstown last season, but he’s off a mark now that he might not be as well handicapped as people think is. He keeps getting pushed up the handicap without winning.

"We’re just hoping there’s a big one in him and he should run in the Troytown as long as there’s no jar in the ground.

"Yeah Man could run too. The ground will be fine for him."

What else is on?

Both days of The Navan Racing Festival will be filled with entertainment and live music.

A choir will be on welcoming duty on each day with beautiful music filling the air and creating a seasonal atmosphere. 

On Saturday, Rake The Ashes are headlining the marquee with traditional tunes echoing around the racecourse directly after the last race. 

On Sunday, The Sandmen will have a DJ set throughout the day and then will perform live music after racing.

A stellar panel of experts will be previewing the racing at the course each morning while Sunday will see a procession of champion retired racehorses circling around the parade ring. 

Woodland Opera, Raz due Maree and dual Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Al Boum Photo will be among those taking part.

The fun does not stop at the racecourse either, with numerous after parties taking place throughout Navan town in the local pubs, restaurants and hotels.

There is a long list of pubs providing music and entertainment on both the Saturday and Sunday night, including The Central, The Royal Meath, Ryans Bar, The Round O, P Berminghams, Henry Loughrans, The Railway Bar, The Kilberry, James Fox and P Clarkes. 

Where can I buy tickets?

Tickets are available here.