The hospitality side of the event focuses on bringing together a range of packages including a ‘Taste of Guinness’ package for avid race-lovers, and enthusiasts of Irish culture.

“We’ve got a number of different packages ranging from a general admission package, all the way through to our restaurant package, with a four-course meal and beverage package for the full five hours of racing,” said Hospitality Operations Manager, Mark Buzacott. “We cater for everyone in between, and at Irish Race Day we see a number of families come to watch as well.”

Irish Race Day has long been a successful event in the South Australian racing calendar, with something for everyone from those looking to dress up, and those wanting to watch some premier atmospheric racing.

“We are trying to cater for the event-goer market as well as the race-fanatics,” said Buzacott. “There are five to six private functions on the day and a lot of corporate tickets being sold.”

Organising the food and drink side of the event is no easy task, with the team preparing food for more than 3000 potential guests.

“Last year had just over 3500 people on the day,” said Buzacott. “We presold over 500 food and beverage packages with even more people walking up and purchasing throughout the day.”

“We do a few different activations with different beverage partners, and we are having a big focus on South Australian produce and South Australian wine, in particular, Soul Growers from Barossa Valley.”

There will be additional food trucks to cater for all tastes, as well as a variety of different corporate areas, lawns and bars.

“We try to make about 80 per cent of our wine list across the track from South Australian wines,” said Buzacott. “We often have interstate travellers come over for Irish Race Day, and one of the first things they ask is which wines are local.”

One of the highlights of the day is the inclusion of Irish musicians such as Brad Lee, Wasabi Duo and traditional Irish Band and The Shambolics, who will all be looking to keep the party going after the final race.

“We have a variety of Irish foods available, like Guinness Stout pies, and Tayto potato chips,” said Buzacott. “The Irish contingent comes up and buys those over the bar all day  – which we previously sourced from an international supplier to accommodate the popular Irish flavours.”

Guinness is a primary theme of this year’s Irish Race Day, and the Morphettville Racecourse team expect the beverage to be crowd favourite among race-goers.

“We even have the Guinness Appreciation Society coming who is a membership of about 30-40 people,” said Buzacott. “They come and set up at the bar and tell, not just the punters, but also the staff what Guinness is all about and how to pour the perfect pint.”

Irish Race Day is on the 1st of September, with the first race jumping at around midday. Those looking to find a pot of gold will find tickets and packages available for purchase here.