Chef Martin Shanahan, set for the Race & Taste Festival in Cork Racecourse, Mallow. (Pic Darragh Kane)

Some of the most recognised names in Cork food and drinks are set to showcase their produce this weekend at the inaugural Race and Taste Festival at Cork Racecourse, Mallow.

The two-day event will also see the official opening of a new 7 furlong flat track at Cork Racecourse, set to be unveiled during an evening’s quality flat racing on Friday evening from 5pm, while Saturday will see seven National Hunt races at the track.

Cooking demonstrations and workshops will take place around the Racecourse on Saturday with Race and Taste special guest chefs, while RTE’s Maura Derrane will judge The Fota Island Resort Most Stylish Lady competition on Friday night. 

Joining the likes of top class Cork chefs Rory O’Connell, Martin Shanahan, Lilly Higgins and Cork music legends The Frank & Walters, will be Ballymaloe Relish, Conbec Gin, Ballyhoura Apple Farm, Nutrilicious Food Company, Clonakilty Distillery and many more alongside a full race card this Friday and Saturday.

‘SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE’

Andrew Hogan, General Manager said: “The Race & Taste Festival brings together the exciting worlds of horseracing and food all under the one roof. There will be something for everyone and a great weekend is promised.”

Rugby pundit, Brent Pope, will also be joining the chefs and assisting sommeliers in the demonstration area to talk through some of the most sought after wines on the market via the Carry Out network of stores. 

The Race and Taste Festival will have free admission for children U14. Only a short 30 minute drive from Cork city on the Limerick Road (N20), Cork Racecourse is also well serviced by hourly trains from Kent Station (with free shuttle buses making the short hop from train station to racecourse) and bus services running from Parnell Place.

Tickets can be purchased in advance online at www.corkracecourse.ie and are priced at an excellent value of €15.

Further additions to the festival and transport updates will be announced soon.