Racing Tauranga will host two Saturdays of racing this month, with the St Patricks Day races this Saturday March 16, and the Bayleys International Race Day the following Saturday on March 22.

The theme is green of the patrons attending this Saturday, with the eight race programme timed to jump at 12.45pm.

Entry to the course is free on Saturday with plenty of spot prizes for the best dressed, as the club celebrates St Patricks Day, a day early.

Local trainer Mark Blackie has two horses racing on Saturday. Le Castile will race in the feature race, The Tauranga Vets Open Handicap over 1400 meters, with a stake of $35,000.

'Le Castile won here back on January 2, but has had an eight week break and could go a cheeky race first up,” says a Tauranga racing spokesperson.

'The grey mare has won four of its 10 starts. All Roads, Ronchi and Pasabahce will head the competition.

'Blackie also has Joy Anna entered in Race 3, the Mills Reef 1200. The horse didn't enjoy the heavy 10 track in Auckland last weekend but won a trial at Avondale three weeks back.

'The track is currently a Dead four.”