But they are going to lose all that the longer racing is off, so it is a real worry. [10][59][65] A recurring part of Irish culture, the horse has been romanticised in art and literature for many centuries. Apart from forfeiting significant gate receiptsFairyhouse's three-day Easter gathering attracted 23,000 racegoers in 2019media rights revenue works out at an average of approximately 50,000 per fixture. When it comes to flat racing, the draw is massively influential. 4 days ago. You can wear fancy dress in some racecourses in Ireland. If you are planning a visit and wondering which of the 26 Irish racecourses is best for you to visit will depend on a range of factors. 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. Equally, racing meetings are a huge social occasion with people from all walks of life coming together. (iii) Outside of the stated dates the cards at many meetings included pony, Galloway, or even foot, races and are not included in the dates. The standard of horses competing is low but this really is a truly unique spectacle in UK or Irish racing. According to a HRI-commissioned Deloitte report that was published in 2017, the core racing and breeding sectors sustain 15,200 full time jobs. Can I Wear Fancy Dress to Racecourse in Ireland? Its activities also include the monitoring of equine diseases and dissemination of veterinary information to its members. It is partly because racing only takes place once a year at Laytown that makes it so special and limited availability is what makes racing at Listowel so cherished too. "I'd be very worried about the racecourses," Kavanagh said. Most races occur on the standard oval track, though. Kavanagh also expressed his fears for the sort of industry that will be left when the coronavirus eventually relents. [68] Horse breeding and training is a key economic player in regions of the country where there are few employment opportunities. There will be designated areas for owners to meet their . Both Teams to Score & Goals Galore Explained. Whether you want flat racing, jump racing, or a bit of both, Ireland has got you covered and then some. 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. There are well over 300 meetings to choose from, almost an average of one per day with over a million people in attendance across them each year. To maintain its reputation as an elite jump racing venue, Punchestown has had to regularly update and modernise its offering. [58] Ireland is the largest producer of Thoroughbreds in the EU, producing 40% of the EU's Thoroughbreds,[58][62][63] and the fourth-largest in the world;[58][59] additionally, 4 of the top 10 stallions in Europe are based in Ireland. The Curragh is a flat only course whilst Kilbeggan, Thurles, Wexford and Downpatrick hold only National Hunt racing. What are the Biggest Racecourses in Ireland? The focus is on the bigger national health picture at the moment, Kavanagh said. Rather than racing on grass, horses at Laytown compete on sand as its temporary track is set up on the seafront, but under normal IHRB rules. For an alternative but very similar race, Fairyhouse, located close to Dublin, holds the Irish Grand National every easter Monday and this too never manages to disappoint. Today at 10:37. The ban led to public outcry, especially in Ireland where some 20,000 people were believed to be employed in the embattled racing industry. [10][59] More than 80% of these Irish-bred Thoroughbreds are exported to 37 countries, generating an estimated 229 million per year;[60][61] nearly 80% of these exports are to Great Britain. The last time owners were permitted on racecourses in Ireland was in September of 2020. Leopardstown, Navan, Fairyhouse and Tipperary Racecourses operate under this umbrella structure. If horse racing at its best is what you are looking for, Ireland is certainly the place to find it. Many courses also built permanent structures on their grounds in the hope they would survive for decades to come. There really is a huge selection though and the following are just our pick of the highlights. 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. Of course, local horses are also popular with the natives. The subsidiaries are the four racecourses, the Tote and Irish Thoroughbred Marketing, and the threat of significant job losses looms over each. There is a work aspect to racing, an industry aspect, that is different from other sports. non-offensive fancy dress) apply. Our busy lives often get in the way, and we have to watch horse racing on the go. Equally, be sure to investigate Northern Ireland for more choices of racecourses. Leopardstown's flat track is very tight, so it can pay to be drawn low, especially for horses who like to be ridden prominently. Racecourses in Ireland follow the same rules of the sport across the world. Once upon a time, long, long, ago, there was a racecourse in nearly every county in Ireland but now just 17 of the 32 hold meetings under rules of racing, with 26 venues catering for the sport of kings.. The home of Irish flat racing, The Curragh staged its first race in 1727, with Leopardstown and Punchestown opening in the mid-1800s. 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. The latest set of teacher strikes begin today, meaning some schools in England and Northern Ireland will be shut. Run over a minimum of 2 miles, National Hunt races require the horses to clear a number of obstacles. Read more about him in our Best Hennessey Gold Cup winners blog. Theyve literally lost all of their income, said the HRIs chief executive Brian Kavanagh. (ii) Courses which were previously run under rules might have switched to point to point racing and the dates only include those run under rules; However, Kavanagh expressed particular concern for provincial tracks. The first meeting at Tuam was a four-day fixture and that was later increased to six days. Gamble responsibly and Think about your choices. [30], Measures introduced by these organisations have helped the industry go from strength to strength. The usual caveats will apply if fancy dress is allowed no costumes that could cause offence to other patrons. Pages in category "Former horse racing venues in the Republic of Ireland". Kavanagh said on Sunday that racecourses and on-course bookmakers, who arent allowed attend behind closed doors fixtures, are two sectors to the forefront of HRIs concerns about how they will emerge from the current crisis. If you have a sharp two year old, and youre looking at selling that in July or August, youve missed the boat, he said. This may result in transaction charges being levied by your bank. Know when to Stop. 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. All four Classics take place here, the Irish Derby, Irish Oaks, Irish 2000 Guineas and Irish 1000 Guineas. The road, which was closed in both directions, has now reopened. The Republic of Ireland is especially horse racing mad and as we have noted it is here where the vast majority of the Emerald Isles tracks are found. 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.. 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. [34], National Hunt racing, or Jump racing, is run year-round in Ireland, but the main season takes place from November until the end of April, coinciding with the lull of the flat racing season. This is a day at the races that unfolds on the beach, on a level sand surface. Who is the Most Famous Irish Racehorse of All Time? [18], The origin of the Steeplechase was a 4.5 mile match race between Buttevant and Doneraile, County Cork, across natural countryside, beginning and ending at the eponymous steeples of each of the towns. With 24 courses currently in the Republic of Ireland and two courses in Northern Ireland it is not only a hugely popular spectator sport but also a global centre for breeding and training thoroughbreds. On this page, you'll find our guides to all the Irish racecourses, including track history and characteristics, draw bias info, and vital trainer and jockey statistics. Flat options were gradually phased out over the . 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. So if you look at a Galway, or Punchestown or Curragh or any track that has good commercial revenue on top of media rights, if you go behind closed doors you dont replace that revenue. All racetracks have different characteristics. For safety purposes, horses can only compete in straight line sprints but it is quite the sight to behold horses storming right down the coastline. The Irish horse racing industry is closely linked with that of Great Britain, with Irish horses regularly competing and winning on the British racing circuit. [32][80], The Turf Club, established in 1790, is the regulatory body for Horse racing in Ireland, including both Flat and National Hunt racing, and incorporates the Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Committee (INHSC). Its really a matter for the medical authorities so Im not going to speculate one way or the other. [58], Horse racing organisations are funded through a number of sources, including membership fees, taxation of betting, a foal registration levy, profits from the Tote, and direct contribution from the Government of the Republic of Ireland. Racecourses in Ireland. Frequently Asked Questions About Irish Racing. This is partly down to plentiful rain the island of Ireland gets, keeping the ground soft enough for NH racing even in the summer months. Both forms can be viewed throughout the calendar year too, rather than only having access to jumps action in the winter months and flat racing in the summer months. Dundalk is Ireland's only all-weather flat course and there's also flat racing on the beach at Laytown. Irish Racecourses - Alphabetical C Clonmel Co Tipperary A right handed undulating circuit of 1m 2f - the finish is uphill for 2 1/2f - jumps and flat racing. Max refund for this offer is 20. [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. What are the Best Racecourses in Ireland? Irish horse racing is an amazing experience and part of the cultural fabric of the country. By Richard Forristal/Racing Post; March 27, 2020 The main jumps season runs between November and April. This list may not reflect recent changes . 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. Horse racing in Ireland is intricately linked with Irish culture and society. . Racing here, along with all sports, has been cancelled for over a month due to the coronavirus emergency. The course that typically boasts the highest average attendance is Galway, so this is always a safe bet should you want a vibrant atmosphere. 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 turf Flat season runs from March to November and there is a Flat winter championship staged at Dundalk. The biggest event in Irish horse racing is the Irish Derby. The maximum gap between races will be 30 minutes in order to assist social distancing. Punchestown is seen as the home of jump racing in the Republic of Ireland as it hosts a hefty portion of the leading jump races in the country. Jockeys' weights will increase by 2lb as a result of racecourse saunas being closed, while no owners are now permitted to attend meetings. Such a development will be welcome news across all sectors but wont prevent Irelands 26 racecourses from facing an uncertain financial outlook. These are the most elite races on the calendar and the tend to carry large amounts of prize money, something that is reflected in the quality of thoroughbred that shows up. These days, Ireland is considered the world leader in thoroughbred racing and breeding both in National Hunt Racing and flat, racing takes place nearly every day. 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. [63], Ireland is seen by many as a "horse nation". A decision was taken in April to stage the races behind closed doors due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and Moloney joined Ger Gilroy and Johnny Ward . The three most famous courses in Ireland, the ones that your average UK fan might well have heard of and that host the highest class meetings, are Punchestown, Leopardstown and Curragh (also referred to as the Curragh). Races were held at Tralee until 2008, when the course was sold for redevelopment. Please play responsibly. It may be cheaper to exchange currency in cash before heading to Ireland. In 1812, with the Irish racing fixture list very congested, the Turf Club sorted out the problem by allocating annual dates to courses with Tuam, given meetings in the first week of August. (i) Minor meetings which were not noteworthy or widely reported are not included in the dates; Most courses in Ireland are mixed tracks holding both flat and jumps racing on the turf. The course closed in 1963, the same year as Manchester, where despite running steeplechases since 1872 (and Flat racing long before that), the lure of monies for housing development was too much to refuse. [32], In Ireland, the Flat racing season runs from mid-March to mid-November, and comprises races started from stalls, run over 5 to 20 furlongs. 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. Germany is expected to allow a resumption of racing next week, and France is set to do the same a week later, so there are growing hopes within the sector here that action can start again in some form behind closed doors. In 1945, the Racing Board was established specifically to deal with financing the sport and this helped increase racecourse investment and also prize money. Leopardstown also has a golf and property division. Between March 25, when racing ceased, and April 19, there will be 23 fixtures lost to 12 race courses, with Cork and Dundalk the worst hit in terms of numbers. 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. [24] A similar body for National Hunt races, the Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Committee, was formed under the Turf Club to ensure fair running of National Hunt meetings. Some venues may offer cheap tickets, or do discounted prices for pensioners, students etc. What will that market look like now? John Breslin. June 29 Limerick, Kilbeggan (NH) July 1 Leopardstown, Tipperary (NH) July 2 Sligo . Track Characteristics. Its a perfect storm for racecourses. The Minister for Health, Simon Harris, already appears to have tried to dampen expectations of any extensive relaxation however, warning there won't be a "big bang moment" in relation to easing social restrictions. How Important is the Horse Racing Industry to The Irish Economy? [54][55] Unaffiliated races are frequently held at many locations throughout the country. To this day, the Turf Club and HRI (Horse Racing Ireland) regulates Irish racing. The HRI has a number of responsibilities, including the management of the national Thoroughbred studbooks (registration with Weatherbys is also a requirement for all Irish Throughbreds[79]), the development and operation of a number of racecourses, and the authorisation of bookmaking and funding. Arkle (1957 1970) was possibly the most popular horse in the history of Ireland. These are just two historical and legendary racecourses in Ireland, though the country boasts many. [9], The earliest datable evidence, however, is a 1603 royal warrant entitling the governor of Derry to hold fairs and markets at which horse races could be staged. [50] The majority of racecourses are turf, with Dundalk being the only floodlit all-weather polytrack. 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. Place your FIRST bet on any ChNew customers only. Who is the Most Successful Irish Jockey of All Time? "But in that context we are also trying to scenario plan. 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. For a completely unique racing experience, you will want to get yourself down to Laytown Racecourse for their annual meeting (usually in September). As a family, we have always loved the racing and went to Haydock races as kids, as often as we could. The money you bet is critical to the country as a whole. Horse racing takes place throughout the calendar year in Ireland. The board of Horse Racing Ireland is due to meet on Monday and a government announcement on restrictions will be made later this week ahead of the May 5th deadline. How many racecourses are there in Ireland? As at Mullingar, Arkle ran there during the early part of his racing career. With more and more racing taking place around the country, it was deemed that some governance was needed to oversee it all. Andrew Blair White explores the massive struggles this has caused for racecourses in Ireland. To read full reviews check out our website today. 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. Ireland has a rich history of horse racing, with official sporting contests dating back to the mid seventeenth century. Ten such meetings were run here before racing stopped on March 24th. Curragh Racecourse - one of the most prestigious venues in the world Credit: Ireland's Content Pool Situated in Newbridge in County Kildare, Curragh is one of the most prestigious venues worldwide to watch flat racing. That works well for racing fans; meetings are among the most popular sporting events in the Irish capital, and it is comparatively simple to reach Dublin through a range of transport means. Map of Racecourses in Ireland Directions: Road - leave Clonmel centre and take the N24 towards Waterford for 2km. Well help you find the perfect course for your needs. As discussed, every site has its own charm and range of benefits. Laytown is a Co Meath track. Flat racing takes centre stage between May and October, with all-weather action taking place at Dundalk races throughout the calendar year. Will you need parking on-site or accessible public transport links and a bus shuttle to the course? 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. How will you get to the racecourse? What is the Oldest Racecourse in Ireland? [10] Horse racing was evidently popular in the 17th century: a 1622 poem tells of a jockey killed participating in a horse race in Carrickfergus,[11] while other accounts mention a 1634 race between Lord Digby and the Earl of Ormond,[12] and the establishment in 1682 of a race by Lord Kildare, with a plate of 40 pounds to the winner. Favored Forte Avoids Unfavorable Draw in Kentucky Derby, Wet Paint Installed as 5-2 Favorite in Kentucky Oaks, Owner/Breeder Looks Past Tragedy to a Brighter Future, Wild On Ice Euthanized Following Derby Work, Forget Two Minutes, 2021 Derby Unresolved in Two Years, Confidence Game Takes Fledgling Syndicate to the Derby, Plus News, Analysis, Entries, Results & Replays, Favorite Forte Draws Post 15, Hit Show Draws 1, Three Things You Might Not Know About: Kingsbarns, Three Things You Might Not Know About: Angel Of Empire, Catching Up With Old Friends: Silver Charm, Belleza de Arteaga Victorious in Gran Premio Criadores. [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. Fearing further unrest, the British government gave a concession to allow the Curragh festival of 810 May, finally relenting on 20 June. 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. Bet with your head, not over it. Betting Sites - Best UK Online Bookmakers & Sports Betting Websites. [31] The Irish Racing Board, the predecessor to Horse Racing Ireland, was set up in 1945 to oversee the economics of the industry,[30][29] followed by the Irish Horse Authority in 1995 and Horse Racing Ireland in 2001. 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 Whether youre a fan of the jumps or flat racing, there are a plethora of racecourses in Ireland. If you are wanting to head to some of the big meetings, these will set you back a little more, with a standard ticket costing 20 to 30 being far from unusual for these sought-after dates. You do not need to restrict yourself to one place. 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. Kavanagh also warned on Sunday about the impact of the Covid-19 emergency on other racing sectors such as small trainers and those involved in bloodstock sales which have been disrupted. 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. This section provides a brief history of the course, but there will be descendants of the Local Patrons mentioned in the article who will be able to provide pictures of their ancestors and maybe even a picture of the racecourse, or have a badge or racecard from the course. As a tourist, you will be welcomed to racecourses with open arms. Hely-Hutchinson holds the distinction of being the only jockey to ride Arkle on the racecourse and not win on the great horse. All events held in Ireland are a major deal of locals and citizens alike and are central on the Worlds racing stage. Leopardstown Racecourse would have looked at the year of 2020 with such optimism [] It happened between Lisburn and Portadown on Saturday. [19][20][21] The race, ran between locals Edmund Blake and Cornelius O'Callaghan, started a trend of racing cross-country, in a manner derived from fox hunting, with a prize replacing the quarry - a cask of wine in the original race. Our two favourites, however, would have to be Galway and Listowel as we have had personal success with our horses (Dooley Thoroughbreds) at these tracks. Most courses in Ireland are mixed tracks holding both flat and jumps racing on the turf. For many it is the most beautiful, scenic racecourse on the entire continent and we would probably not dispute that. In 1939, a grant of 10,000 was made available in recognition of the course being graded as one of the second-tier racing venues in the country. "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. 23 of these are in Southern Ireland and 3 racecourses in Northern Ireland. Place your FIRST bet on any market at odds of min 2.0 (EVS) and if it loses we will refund your stake in CASH. "Apart from the media rights, Fairyhouse, for example, has lost its big pay day. 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. Many followers of the sport felt sadness after the last meeting in 1972. 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. [26] The first racing festival at the Ballybrit racecourse took place in the following year, with a reported 40,000 spectators in attendance. There are 26 racecourses in Ireland, each of which offers something different. Situated to the south of Punchestown, it hosts the lions share of Group races in the country including 11 of the 13 Group 1 races. 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. A rail line in Northern Ireland has been closed after a person was hit by a train. Youll be enjoying a famous meeting in no time at all thanks to Horse Racing Ireland. Economic strife led to less investment in horse breeding, and capable horses were more likely to be raced in England where the prize money was larger. Empty betting ring: closed for business at Limerick on Sunday Credit: Alain Barr What is the Biggest Event in Irish Horse Racing? Thats not exactly small change! How Many Racecourses are There in Ireland? 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. N. Ireland Politics; Aughnacloy: Three killed and four injured in A5 crash. A valid Flat or National Hunt licence must be held to ride in either type of race. When corporate bookings and other impacted earnings are considered, such as sponsorship and its partnership with Tattersalls for the May 22 breeze-up sales that could be in peril, a major track like Fairyhouse could be facing an immediate funding shortfall of around 500,000. [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.