NEWBURY Racecourse hosts the first of four 'Thursday Nights Live' tonight with Pump Technology Irish Night Live on Thursday, June 23.

In addition to a seven-race thoroughbred card running from 5.35pm to 8.50pm, the 'Dubai International Arabian Races at Newbury Racecourse 24th July International Stakes' for purebred Arabians is staged at 5.00pm.

There is also plenty of Irish-themed entertainment on offer, with live music from BibleCode Sundays and Steve Carroll & Megan Rhodes.

Polling for the EU referendum will be drawing to a close when Brexit (Pat Phelan/Kieran O'Neill) lines up in the Win Races With Jonathan Portman Novice Auction Fillies' Race at 6.10pm.

Owned by Tony Smith and The Undecided, the daughter of Bahamian Bounty was fifth on debut in a six-furlong auction novice at Windsor on May 30.

Trainer Pat Phelan said: "The boss [owner] is politically aware and had this name picked out from a long way off. When the whole Brexit thing came out he thought it would be a great name for a racehorse.

"I am not so sure it reflects a political persuasion - it is more about having a name that would be topical at a particular time.

"Brexit has come out of Windsor well. She ran very well and an auction novice is about her standard.I had instructions to have her ready for Thursday and hopefully I have got that much right.

"I would be hopeful of a good run, but the ground is a bit of an unknown."

Brexit faces 12 rivals, including the appropriately-named debutant Cautious Choice (Stan Moore/Danny Brock).

The feature contest is the £7,250 Pegasus Pumps Ltd Handicap (7.15pm, 13 runners) over 10 furlongs.

Meanwhile, almost 200 Republic of Ireland football fans have further cause for celebration after their team's historic win against Italy on Wednesday evening.

In the run up to the match, Newbury Racecourse promoted a special ticket offer for tonight's Irish Night, meaning that anyone who booked a ticket in advance using a special promo code would get a full refund should Ireland beat Italy and progress to the last 16 in Euro 2016.

Newbury's Head of Communications, Andy Clifton, said: "Last night's game was an incredible spectacle and the amazing spirit of the Irish team and their fans was a joy to watch. 

"I'm delighted that plenty of those fans took advantage of our ticket offer and will now be coming racing tonight free of charge, although I think I might be in a bit of trouble with the Finance Director!"

Tonight's eight race card kicks off with an Arabian Race at 5.00pm.