Dundalk is Ireland's only all-weather flat course and there's also flat racing on the beach at Laytown. The rules of Irish racing were devised by William Temple in 1673. Racing at Tralee dated back to the 18th century before the final fixture was staged at Ballybeggan Park in 2008. These are then exported around the globe to compete in a variety of international meetings. The Curragh is a flat only course whilst Kilbeggan, Thurles, Wexford and Downpatrick hold only National Hunt racing. Theyre not even sporting events almost. Almost certainly not, This has been a game-changer for me: how a room in the garden can transform your family life, Seven bodies, including two missing teens, found in Oklahoma, Australia to ban recreational vaping in e-cigarette crackdown, Hollywood faces writers strike after talks with studios collapse, International Rugby Experience, a world-class interactive cathedral to rugby, opens today in Limerick, Irishman Alan Joyce to step down as CEO of Australian airline Qantas after 15 years in charge, Covid graduates struggle with teamwork - Deloitte and PwC. The maximum gap between races will be 30 minutes in order to assist social distancing. We support responsible gambling, so in case you require information about gambling addiction or need support please use the link BeGambleAware. If you look at breeders, and the various breeze-up sales around Europe, 85 to 90 per cent of horses sold at those sales are in Ireland or are Irish horses. "All those elements are at risk, but our objective is to make sure as an industry we come through this episode intact and with the least damage done possible. If you have information on any course then email me at johnwslusar@gmail.com What are the Biggest Racecourses in Ireland? Timeform racecourse guides Horse racing free bet offers Review Get up to 20 back as cash if your first bet loses New Customer Offer. Held at Ballybrit Racecourse in Galway, Ireland over seven days, it is one of the longest of all the race meets that occur in Ireland.. It is not until you reach the 1600s though that you get more substantial evidence of proper horse racing taking place on Irish soil in a form that we would recognise it today. 23 of these are in Southern Ireland and 3 racecourses in Northern Ireland. June 24 Naas, Roscommon (NH) June 25 Fairyhouse. The ancient text Togail Bruidne D Derga makes reference to the Curragh being the site of some chariot racing during the time of Conaire Mr, who had been a ruling monarch sometime between 110BC and 60 AD. Fearing further unrest, the British government gave a concession to allow the Curragh festival of 810 May, finally relenting on 20 June. Racing took place behind closed doors at Down Royal on Tuesday Patrick McCann Taoiseach Leo Varadkar made a ministerial broadcast to the nation on the same evening, revealing the current emergency is likely to go on well beyond March 29 and the number of Covid-19 cases could reach 15,000 over the next two weeks. [74] There are over 700 licensed trainers in the country, the majority of which are licensed to train horses for both Flat and National Hunt, although they usually specialise in one. [26] The first racing festival at the Ballybrit racecourse took place in the following year, with a reported 40,000 spectators in attendance. The Racing Board was later replaced by the Irish Horseracing Authority in 1994, which is something we have known since 2001 as Horse Racing Ireland. You will not need to learn any special rules ahead of time, as there are no changes to the rules of the race. You cannot go wrong with any course or meeting really but to narrow the possibilities down, we will take a look at the most notable courses and some of the most popular meetings (not necessarily those with the best quality racing) the island has to offer. Of course, local horses are also popular with the natives. ITV Racing picks up certain races during the major Irish meetings. [2] In a correspondence to King Charles II in 1673, Sir William Temple stated "Horses in Ireland are a drug we see horses bred of excellent shape, and vigour, and size, so as to reach great prices at home, and encourage strangers to find the market here. The ancient Brehon Law that governed the country until the 17th Century insisted that the sons of the king were provided with horses for racing. The loss of the track was a big blow to the midlands, but another Co. Westmeath course, Kilbeggan, grew from strength to strength. Racing at the new venue continued until the 1930s before there was a break until a company was set up to purchase the course from the OConnells. [41][42][43], There are 26 major racecourses in Ireland,[44][45][46][47][32] more per head of population than any other country,[48] with more than 350 race meetings and 2,000 races annually. Please gamble responsibly - if you feel you may have a problem and need advice please visitGamble Aware(UK)orGamblers Anonymous. Photo: Morgan Treacy/Inpho. Irish horse racing is an amazing experience and part of the cultural fabric of the country. [29] As early as 1926, the Irish Free State legislated to allow off-course betting, and the Tote was introduced in 1930 to raise funds for the industry. With Tuam racecourse being hit by dwindling attendances, the decision was taken to hold its final fixture on Friday, 3 August, 1973. [85][80], The Association of Irish Racehorse Owners (AIRO) is the official representative body for racehorse owners in Ireland, and has over 1,900 members. In 1961, the legendary Arkle made his racecourse debut in the Lough Ennel Plate bumper at Mullingar and finished third with Mark Hely-Hutchinson in the saddle. Dublin, Cork and Kildare, for example, all have plenty of options. The five of the biggest racecourses in Ireland are: For something a little more quirky, attend the one and only meeting held at Laytown in September. Thats not exactly small change! Its membership comprises all Irish racecourses. The Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Committee was incorporated into the Turf Club around 1866 to organise National Hunt racing (jump racing) in the same way as Flat racing. There will be designated areas for owners to meet their . With 391 Irish race meetings in 2023 you can experience the fun, atmosphere and excitement of attending a horse racing track in Ireland with the calendar season running from 1st January 2023 to the 31st December 2023. Frequently Asked Questions About Irish Racing. Racecourses in Ireland. "I'd be very worried about the racecourses," Kavanagh said. Rather than opting for the traditional big meetings like the extremely prestigious Curragh Irish Derby Festival or Punchestown Irish National Hunt Festival (Irelands answer to the Cheltenham Festival) we will look at some slightly less high-profile, but just as entertaining, alternatives. Picking Winners: How To Study Horse Racing Form. "We will try to support the industry wherever we can and try to support the staff wherever we can, and we will work towards as swift resumption as possible, although there are clearly bigger issues for the country to be worried about now," Kavanagh said. [15][16] The Curragh was awarded its plate in the 1670s, followed by the establishment in 1685 of a studbook under the Down Royal Corporation of Horse Breeders to promote the breeding of racehorses. It is unclear what any resumption date might be although the Irish Racehorse Trainers Association has suggested June 1st could be the earliest realistic option. Were in the hands of government on this, he said before stressing that behind closed doors fixtures are very different events to normal meetings. In 1790, the group published their first racing calendar (previously races were listed in the English Racing Calendar), outlining all planned meetings in Ireland for the year. However, Kavanagh expressed particular concern for provincial tracks. If you prefer the jumps, traditional races such as The Irish Gold Cup, Irish Grand National and Irish Champion Hurdle are the highlights of the national hunt programme. Curragh Racecourse, Co. Kildare. We start with the Summer Festival in Killarney, which runs for five successive days in July. The first meeting at Tuam was a four-day fixture and that was later increased to six days. However, these two racecourses are also complemented by Farmacaffley and the Dundalk Stadium. The focus is on the bigger national health picture at the moment, Kavanagh said. Breeding of racehorses is also a big moneyspinner in Ireland, as the country produces some of the finest colts and fillies in the world. [35][73], The Turf Club is responsible for licensing trainers. With that in mind, here are the five best racecourses to visit in Ireland. N. Ireland Politics; Aughnacloy: Three killed and four injured in A5 crash. Teachers will go on strike again today, meaning some schools in England and Northern Ireland will be partially or completely closed.. Teachers who are members of the National Education Union (NEU . The Phoenix Park at Ashtown on the Navan Road north of Dublin city was a popular horse racing venue for many years, having been opened in August 1902. Irish racecourses are visited by over 1.3m people every year and their races are broadcast all over the world, thus creating quite a large fan base. [11][24] Although an independent body, on occasion it referred disputes to the English Jockey Club. What will that market look like now? Flat racing takes centre stage between May and October, with all-weather action taking place at Dundalk races throughout the calendar year. To this day in 2020, there are some 16,000 people employed by the racing industry. [23] In the 1830s, artificial courses were laid out in numerous locations, in a similar fashion to flat racing courses, with weight allowances based on the age of the animal, a predecessor to today's National Hunt. In addition to music performances and the excitement of the high-class Galway Plate, this festival also gives you the perfect excuse to dress up extra smartly. It does not boast as many courses as Great Britain, but with Ireland having around one racecourse per 270,000 inhabitants, it has a much higher per capita rate, the highest in the world in fact. Here is the full list of 26 racecourses in Ireland: Ballinrobe Bellewstown Clonmel Cork Curragh Down Royal Downpatrick Dundalk Stadium Fairyhouse Galway Gowran Park Kilbeggan Killarney Laytown There are over 43,000 Thoroughbreds in Ireland, 35% of the country's equine population;[58] there are more horses per head of population than in any other European country. The Curragh only stages flat racing, while Punchestown is used solely for National Hunt racing. [56][52][57][53], The main races in the Irish horseracing calendar are the Irish Derby, the Irish Champion Stakes, the Irish Oaks, the Irish 1,000 Guineas and the Irish 2,000 Guineas. There are 26 racecourses in Ireland, 23 in the Republic of Ireland and 3 in Northern Ireland. That comes to 1.15 million across the 23 cards and illustrates the extent of six-figures losses that tracks will need to absorb when multiple fixtures are culled. So for every month closed, racecourses are losing 5 million. Given the deep connection between horse racing and Ireland, it's no surprise to see that many of the sport's most historic venues can be found on the Emerald Isle. Leopardstown, Navan, Fairyhouse and Tipperary Racecourses operate under this umbrella structure. It may be cheaper to exchange currency in cash before heading to Ireland. Racing at Mullingar dates back to 1754, but the track at Newbrook a short distance from the town staged its first fixture in 1852 and racing was held at that venue up to 1967. Pages in category "Former horse racing venues in the Republic of Ireland". June 28 Curragh. What is the Biggest Event in Irish Horse Racing? Racing at Mullingar dates back to 1754, but the track at Newbrook a short distance from the town staged its first fixture in 1852 and racing was held at that venue up to 1967. [82], The Irish Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (ITBA) represents the Thoroughbred breeding industry both in Ireland and abroad, and is involved with a number of industry bodies. Irelands racecourses are facing an economic perfect storm that wont be fixed by any resumption of racing behind closed doors. While Punchestown focuses solely on jumps racing, the Curragh is a flat-racing venue. 1. [75], In Ireland, racehorses may be owned solely, in partnership or in syndicate. As the old saying goes, its a case of horses for courses. RACECOURSES: HERE TODAY AND GONE TOMORROW. [51], Thoroughbred breeding is an important economic activity in Ireland. [b] The minimum prize money per race in Ireland is currently (2017) set at 9,000, with the highest average prize money per race in Europe. Its really a matter for the medical authorities so Im not going to speculate one way or the other. Will you need parking on-site or accessible public transport links and a bus shuttle to the course? Just remember that youll need to use for any wagers on the races held in Southern Ireland, not GBP. Well help you find the perfect course for your needs. As for tickets, a very standard, run-of-the-mill raceday will usually set an adult back in the region of 15, or around 13. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited. Winning 27 of the 35 races he entered, Arkle remains a national hero. A Alexandra Park Racecourse Athletic Grounds (Blackpool) B Bedford Racecourse Bromford Bridge Racecourse Buckfastleigh Racecourse Burton Lazars Buxton Racecourse C Chelmsford Racecourse Colwall Park Racecourse D Derby Racecourse E East Sussex Cricket Ground Ensbury Park Racecourse F Folkestone Racecourse G Gatwick Racecourse H Hurst Park Racecourse This was followed by the formation of the Honourable Society of Sportsmen in 1749, which was renamed the Turf Club in 1784. Likely losses at the 26 racecourses in Ireland for 2020 has been forecast at nearly 15 million in total due to lockdown and racing having to take place behind closed doors. Rail - Clonmel station Bus - Clonmel bus station Air - Waterford, Cork or Shannon All of these are celebrated occasions and see countless people cram into the paddocks to see who completes the circuit fastest. Empty betting ring: closed for business at Limerick on Sunday Credit: Alain Barr Published. In terms of geology and climate, our country is an ideal location for the raising of young horses. Some horses are better suited to flat tracks, while more balanced individuals may do their best work on an undulating course. The Galway Races (Irish: Rsa na Gaillimhe) is an Irish horse-racing festival that starts on the last Monday of July every year. Whether youre a regular race-goer or just looking for a one-off day out, racing in Ireland will meet all of your needs and exceed your expectations. This is a day at the races that unfolds on the beach, on a level sand surface. 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Racing resumed at Tralee in October 1946 and fast forward a few decades and some famous horses won at the course on the way to more notable triumphs. Are you hoping to attend a major event on the global racing stage or local race meetings? Here are the most common questions we get asked about racing in Ireland: The best racecourses in Ireland in our opinion are: However, best is a subjective term. Even after a resumption there will still be a significant loss of revenue. The frightening thing for a lot of these business is that you are going from something to zero. This does mean there can be extremely limited protection from any wind and rain so do not expect to find a nice warm reception area full of TVs broadcasting the action. This list may not reflect recent changes . The longer this goes on, the more racecourses will lose their big income earners.". Some British racecourses are known for being reasonably strict when it comes to their dress code but Ireland, as a whole, takes a more relaxed stance. There are 26 racecourses in Ireland, each of which offers something different. The standard of horses competing is low but this really is a truly unique spectacle in UK or Irish racing. Although the 1916 Rising resulted a 6-week ban on race meetings, they continued shortly afterwards. All racetracks have different characteristics. For many it is the most beautiful, scenic racecourse on the entire continent and we would probably not dispute that. However, as the death toll of people in Ireland with the viruswas revealed to have more than doubled from nine to 19Thursday, with the number of confirmed cases hitting 1,819, the likelihood is that the period of prohibition will be extended and behind-closed-doors options may remain similarly improbable. [28] In 1915, the British National Stud was based in the Curragh, becoming the Irish National Stud after independence. How Important is the Horse Racing Industry to The Irish Economy? There was another closure 12 months later when the Tuam course in north Co. Galway held its final meeting, ending an association with horse racing dating back to October 1754. Domestically, racing is one of Ireland's most popular spectator sports, while on the international scene, Ireland is one of the strongest producers and trainers of Thoroughbred horses. "[13], Racing became more competitive with the introduction, in 1666, under King Charles II, of the King's Plate Races,[11][14] designed so as to favour a fast yet strong horse, capable of winning a 4-mile race with a weight load of 12 stone. The Phoenix Stakes, a race for two-year-olds over five furlongs, was a popular annual feature at the Park for many years and while the venue was mainly a flat track, some hurdle racers were staged. In total it offers over 15 high-quality jump racing fixtures each year, all taking place on a top-class course that offers runners a fair but reasonably challenging test of their ability. For a good number of years, racing at the course coincided with the Rose of Tralee festival but with attendances dropping to unviable levels in the present century, the decision was taken to close the course with the last meeting taking place on 1 October, 2008. In 1945, the Racing Board was established specifically to deal with financing the sport and this helped increase racecourse investment and also prize money. The closure of betting shops, both here and in UK, means there is also an impact on media rights income even if racing does resume. This group acts as the regulatory body of horse racing taking place on the island of Ireland, so their remit covers both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. This massive building, known as the Aga Khan stand, now proudly stands as the centre piece of the entire course, providing superb views of the action. It is both their social and racing highlight of the year, often drawing a handsome crowd partly due to the town being a great tourism destination. Kavanagh also expressed his fears for the sort of industry that will be left when the coronavirus eventually relents. [6][7][8][52][53], Horse Racing Ireland recognises the following racecourses:[46], Races have previously been held under the Rules of Racing at a number of other locations. Racing TV owns the exclusive rights to all Irish horses racing in the UK. The action by the unions representing teachers is mainly due to a pay dispute, with a stalemate over a deal running for more than a year. [66] Horse race attendance is a strong contributor to tourism, with approximately 80,000 people travelling to Ireland annually to attend racing events. Kilcohan Park Greyhound Stadium (Waterford). This meeting boasts twelve Grade 1 races - the most in one event across Ireland - highlighted traditionally by the Punchestown Gold Cup and the Punchestown . Three people, all members of the same extended family, have been killed while four others are in hospital following a road crash tragedy in Co Tyrone on Thursday morning. 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With mass gatherings of over 5,000 cancelled until September, there will be no spectators going racing while sponsorship and other income streams are also hit. The home of Irish flat racing, The Curragh staged its first race in 1727, with Leopardstown and Punchestown opening in the mid-1800s. The racing of horses has a long history on the island, being mentioned in some of the earliest texts. Horse Racing Ireland chief executive Brian Kavanagh says it is at the discretion of individual racecourses as to how they wish to utilise the government's increase from 200 to 500 people being permitted to attend outdoor gatherings, such as race meetings. Sometimes, that isn't possible. As at Mullingar, Arkle ran there during the early part of his racing career. Another Tom Dreaper-trained star of that era, Flyingbolt, won a hurdle race at the track in 1964. Here are the racecourses closest to Dublin: This does not, in any way, diminish the qualities of other racecourses in Ireland. There are lots of options when looking to bet at an Irish racecourse, including on the course itself with independents (in Ireland, horse racing bookmakers are known as being some of the most fun and dynamic in the world) but check out the best current online bookies below or read more here in our in-depth guide best Irish betting sites or the great betting sites below: As the Co-Founder of British Racecourses, I love the chance to share my enjoyment of racing with others. [27], The First World War didn't initially see the cancellation of horse racing, and Thoroughbreds did not feature prominently among the 300,000 horses. [51][10] Laytown holds the distinction of being the only beach racecourse in the country adhering to the rules of the Turf Club, with one race meeting held each year on a natural sand track;[10][26] however unaffiliated beach races are frequently held on beaches in some parts of the country. [29], In the post-independence period, many efforts were made to regulate and support the horse racing industry in Ireland, and a greater effort was made to promote Irish horses internationally. For the duration of its training, the horse is stabled with the trainer, who is responsible for its general upkeep, as well as training. Whenever it happens the sports ruling body, Horse Racing Ireland, continues to have a racing ready policy and could potentially be able to stage fixtures within a week of government giving a green light. For a few years before its closure the Tuam course had a race in honour of 1958 Aintree Grand National winner Mr What. Since the 1960s, five courses have closed their gates for the last time with Mullingar, Baldoyle, Tuam, the Phoenix Park and Tralee joining the long list of former courses. The usual rules about decency (I.E. Leopardstown Racecourse would have looked at the year of 2020 with such optimism [] Placing the latter here may stir up a little controversy, as it is geographically located on the Irish border. It is here that steeplechasing was born; it is here that many of the most illustrious horses in racing history have been bred over the course of several centuries. Today at 10:37. Week-long race meetings are rare as mentioned above but there is another in Ireland, this point again illustrating just how much the locals love this sport, with this further seven-day feast coming courtesy of Galway. In most cases it was lack of funding that had been the problem but in more modern times governments have been more aware of the positive impact racing has on the Irish economy. There are two main racing tracks in Northern Ireland Downpatrick and Down Royal. The undoubted crown jewel in the Punchestown Racecourse calendar is the five-day Punchestown Irish National Hunt Festival, held each April to close the country's National Hunt season. If you want to see the very best thoroughbred horses then targeting a meeting with a Group 1 (flat) or Grade 1 (jump racing) is the best way to go.
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