One of the industries hit the hardest by the pandemic has been the horse racing industry, with behind closed doors race meetings having been implemented back in March. For so many years, Ireland has been a dominant force on the world's racing stage, enjoying . 23 of these are in Southern Ireland and 3 racecourses in Northern Ireland. 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. 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.. Racecourses in Ireland follow the same rules of the sport across the world. The Irish horse racing industry is today worth 1 billion per annum, employs over 14,000 people, and is a major player on the international scene. 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. Some horses are better suited to flat tracks, while . 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. The latest set of teacher strikes begin today, meaning some schools in England and Northern Ireland will be shut. As the old saying goes, its a case of horses for courses. Holders of that stock are looking at value diminishing in front of their eyes. Most races occur on the standard oval track, though. Laytown is a Co Meath track. Jump racing at Punchestown (first recorded in 1824) became a permanent fixture in 1860 when stands and enclosures were erected and many other racecourses soon followed. It is the nations undisputed king of flat racing despite it providing a rather unusual test courtesy of its horse-shoe-shaped track (used for races of one mile and longer). "I'd be very worried about the racecourses," Kavanagh said. [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. 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. [78], Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) was established in 2001 in an effort to promote Irish Horse racing and Thoroughbred breeding at an international level. At any day during the festival, you will enjoy a simply stunning view as Killarney Racecourse is hugely picturesque with its beautiful mountain backdrop. 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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. According to a HRI-commissioned Deloitte report that was published in 2017, the core racing and breeding sectors sustain 15,200 full time jobs. With only one all-weather course in the country, at Dundalk, almost all racing in Ireland takes place on good old-fashioned mud and grass, but there is one extra and much-loved exception. [33], There are three types of National Hunt race:[33], Steeplechase and Hurdle races are held each year at 23 courses, of which 3 run exclusively National Hunt races. Although the 1916 Rising resulted a 6-week ban on race meetings, they continued shortly afterwards. Teachers who . You will not need to learn any special rules ahead of time, as there are no changes to the rules of the race. The rules of Irish racing were devised by William Temple in 1673. If you have even a casual interest in racing, Ireland is a must-visit. Do you enjoy jumps (national hunt) or flat racing? The racecourse was temporarily closed at the end of the 1981 flat season but was reopened in 1983 with a consortium which included well-known owner Robert Sangster and champion trainer Vincent OBrien taking over the running of the track. [33] These races are held at 23 racecourses, of which 3 run only Flat. [9], In the mid-19th century, the racehorse industry saw a decline linked to the aftermath of the Napoleonic wars. [20][22] The early steeplechases offered little more than an agreed-upon landmarks as start and finish points, with the riders free to choose their own path, but later races used a line of flags to indicate a determined course. Some horses are better suited to flat tracks, while more balanced individuals may do their best work on an undulating course. The oldest racecourse in Southern Ireland is the Curragh although Down Royal in Northern Ireland pre-dates this venue. [63], Ireland is seen by many as a "horse nation". This is a day at the races that unfolds on the beach, on a level sand surface. Dublin remains hugely popular with tourists though, so you may be able to tie in a race meeting with a general city break if you are crossing the Irish sea or coming from further afield. Generally racecourse financial positions before this wasn't too bad, but this is just a catastrophic shock that nobody can prepare for.". Richard Dunwoody is another legend of the sport, notching up 1,700 career victories across a multitude of meetings. Locals here simply cannot get enough of the sport that has existed locally for centuries in an official capacity. Jockeys' weights will increase by 2lb as a result of racecourse saunas being closed, while no owners are now permitted to attend meetings. The oldest racecourse in Ireland is Downpatrick, which first opened their gates in 1685. Its activities also include the monitoring of equine diseases and dissemination of veterinary information to its members. Equally, racing meetings are a huge social occasion with people from all walks of life coming together. 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. For many non-Irish nationals, Dublin is the beating heart of the country. 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 non-offensive fancy dress) apply. This makes for ideal conditions for breeding and raising racing horses for success. 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. "Apart from the media rights, Fairyhouse, for example, has lost its big pay day. I am grateful to Ordnance Survey ( Crown Copyright) for permission to use any pre-1956 maps showing the locations of former racecourses in England, Scotland and Wales, and also to The British Newspaper Archive (www.BritishNewspaperArchive.co.uk) for allowing small sections of relevant newspapers to be included in the text of each racecourse. 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. [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. 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. Thats not exactly small change! The thoroughbreds that run in Ireland today are all descendants of a trio of stallions, imported from the middle east in the 18th Century this is the same with most thoroughbred racing. However, Kavanagh expressed particular concern for provincial tracks. What is the Oldest Racecourse in Ireland? 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. Betting & Tax In The UK Do I Have To Pay Tax On My Gambling Winnings? Know when to Stop. They are not race meetings as you would traditionally know them. To this day in 2020, there are some 16,000 people employed by the racing industry. We are now lucky enough to own some fantastic racehorses who we will follow around the tracks and we have had some great wins. We start with the Summer Festival in Killarney, which runs for five successive days in July. Gamble responsibly and Think about your choices. 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. The longer this goes on, the more racecourses will lose their big income earners.". With that in mind, here are the five best racecourses to visit in Ireland. Racehorses doing morning work at the Curragh last week. [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. They created what we know today as the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board but the first name the group took was the Society of Sportsmen before changing into the Irish Jockey Club and then the Turf Club in 1784. This is something amazing to attend as the leading three-year-old-thoroughbreds in Europe race to see who is the best. Pages in category "Former horse racing venues in the Republic of Ireland". Today at 10:37. [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. Races are primarily run on turf, with one floodlit all-weather track at Dundalk. 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. Theyve literally lost all of their income, said the HRIs chief executive Brian Kavanagh. "But in that context we are also trying to scenario plan. 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. With Tuam racecourse being hit by dwindling attendances, the decision was taken to hold its final fixture on Friday, 3 August, 1973. Sky Bet Horse Racing - these offers are not valid from 2pm on Fri 14th until 23.59 on Sat 15th April. [61], It has been suggested that the success of Irish Thoroughbreds, both at home and abroad, is partly due to its climate and geography;[64][10][59][58][65] the wet, temperate climate and limestone-rich soil encourages the growth of calcium-containing grass,[10][65] while the mild temperatures and lack of seasonal variability allow year-round grazing. Some very generous prizes are dished out on Ladies Day for those deemed the best dressed and later on there is even a Mad Hatters competition during what is very much a family-friendly day of the festival. Winning 27 of the 35 races he entered, Arkle remains a national hero. 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 . Racing festivals are a major part of the culture in Ireland. 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. Subsequently, over the past century or so, horse racing in Ireland has benefitted from both direct investment and also favourable legislation. 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. 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. [34], A number of other types of horse racing take place in Ireland, including Harness racing[38][39][40] and Endurance racing. Of those, 171 fall directly under HRI's remit. The Earliest and Final dates for meetings stated on this site are open to interpretation for the following reasons:- Racecourses in Ireland. The tradition of racing runs very deep in Ireland. This meeting boasts twelve Grade 1 races - the most in one event across Ireland - highlighted traditionally by the Punchestown Gold Cup and the Punchestown . Baldoyle racecourse in north County Dublin staged meetings from March 1868 until the final fixture at the venue on 26 August, 1972. Are There Any Gambling Restrictions at Irish Racecourses? For a completely unique racing experience, you will want to get yourself down to Laytown Racecourse for their annual meeting (usually in September). There are 26 racecourses in Ireland, each of which offers something different. As racing can be a fun day out, many people like to attend in fancy dress, especially if tying in a day at the races with a stag or hen party. The Galway Races (Irish: Rsa na Gaillimhe) is an Irish horse-racing festival that starts on the last Monday of July every year. As part of British Racecourses, I enjoy visiting and reviewing the racecourses that we visit, all of which I think have something to offer and are brilliant in their own ways. [75], In Ireland, racehorses may be owned solely, in partnership or in syndicate. 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. 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. 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. They are effectively being run for the industry, for horses to have an outlet to run. The focus is on the bigger national health picture at the moment, Kavanagh said. Here is the full list of 26 racecourses in Ireland: Throughout the remainder of this guide, we will give you more information about each Irish racecourse, simply follow any links off to more in-depth guides, which will include a particular focus on the major sites, cities and events. The oldest racecourse in Ireland is Downpatrick, which first opened their gates in 1685. 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 . 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. [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. Can I Wear Fancy Dress to Racecourse in Ireland? Over time, as things become clearer, you have to take a further view on staff. Racing at Tralee dated back to the 18th century before the final fixture was staged at Ballybeggan Park in 2008. Mounting financial problems led to the closure of Mullingar Racecourse with the final meeting being held on Monday, July 1st, 1967. Fearing further unrest, the British government gave a concession to allow the Curragh festival of 810 May, finally relenting on 20 June. In 2016, the total prize money awarded was 56.8 million. Well help you find the perfect course for your needs. [10][59][65] A recurring part of Irish culture, the horse has been romanticised in art and literature for many centuries. Place your FIRST bet on any ChNew customers only. 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. [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. 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. What will that market look like now? [35][73], The Turf Club is responsible for licensing trainers. 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. "Our objective is to avoid closures, but there is a risk, same as there is for all other sectors in the economy," he added. 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. While many Irish horses enjoy legendary status, these perpetual front runners are regarded on a different level. Irish Racecourse Closures Underline Cost of Shutdown All sports are banned in Ireland until at least April 19 due to the COVID-19 crisis. 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. To read full reviews check out our website today. Rail - Clonmel station Bus - Clonmel bus station Air - Waterford, Cork or Shannon Most racecourses in Ireland will allow this in the paddocks, but contact the course or check their website before turning up to be on the safe side. A rail line in Northern Ireland has been closed after a person was hit by a train. Published. [30], Measures introduced by these organisations have helped the industry go from strength to strength. John Breslin. [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. [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. Ireland is a small island, yet sustains 26 unique and bustling racecourses, demonstrating the sheer passion of the Irish for the sport of horse racing. 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. This means visitors are free to put on something nice and casual if they like, such as a t-shirt and jeans, rather than dressing up for the occasions. [45][46][49] More than 1.3m people visit Irish racecourses each year,[46] with crowds in excess of 100,000 annually attending both the Punchestown Festival in April, and the Galway Races in July. All cities, towns and villages shown below did, at one stage, have a racecourse. [4] The use of the Curragh as an early location for horse racing is also mentioned in a gloss to the 7th century Liber Hymnorum. It's not that your business is tailing offit's disappearing.". On top of commercial income, which also includes catering and a slice of on-course betting turnover, the vital media rights money, believed to be worth about 30 million a year to tracks, is cut while betting shops are closed. 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. Read more about him in our Best Hennessey Gold Cup winners blog. [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. June 28 Curragh. Please play responsibly. The Curragh is a flat only course whilst Kilbeggan, Thurles, Wexford and Downpatrick hold only National Hunt 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. June 29 Limerick, Kilbeggan (NH) July 1 Leopardstown, Tipperary (NH) July 2 Sligo . 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. [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. Ireland has a rich history of horse racing, with official sporting contests dating back to the mid seventeenth century. Betting Sites - Best UK Online Bookmakers & Sports Betting Websites. Racecourses and the events they host provide some 1.1 billion to the Irish economy each and every year. The winning horses were much sought after for breeding, leading to rapid improvement of the breed, with horses not in the winnings still capable hunters. The Phoenix Park should be remembered by older racegoers as a course where it was very difficult to name the winner in close finishes with the spectators a good distance away from the winning post. Hely-Hutchinson holds the distinction of being the only jockey to ride Arkle on the racecourse and not win on the great horse. What are the Major Irish Racing Festivals? A few years before, in 1860, Punchestown racecourse became permanent hosts to jump racing when they established stands and an enclosure. Directions: Road - leave Clonmel centre and take the N24 towards Waterford for 2km. Of course, some did, but there are many sites that failed to stick around for a long time, whether due to lack of interest, lack of funding, or unsuitable ground. Previously, Downpatrick was home to both Flat and National Hunt racing. There is some evidence of horse racing taking place in Ireland around two millennium ago. Most courses in Ireland are mixed tracks holding both flat and jumps racing on the turf. Sometimes, that isn't possible. [1] The mythological Fianna were said to have enjoyed horse racing without the use of chariots;[5] the Book of Leinster contains an early poem mentioning races at the Curragh and near Croom, as well as a tradition of racing on the beach in Kerry,[4] a tradition which continues today. The last time owners were permitted on racecourses in Ireland was in September of 2020. These include: All racing in Ireland is governed by Horse Racing Ireland (HRI). However, these two racecourses are also complemented by Farmacaffley and the Dundalk Stadium. 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. 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. Horse racing in Ireland is intricately linked with Irish culture and society. To this day, the Turf Club and HRI (Horse Racing Ireland) regulates Irish racing. [51], Thoroughbred breeding is an important economic activity in Ireland. [26] The first racing festival at the Ballybrit racecourse took place in the following year, with a reported 40,000 spectators in attendance. Subscribe FREE Today! It is for this reason that you will find that races at Down Royal and Downpatrick pay out prize money in euros, despite the local currency being pounds sterling. [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. These are just two historical and legendary racecourses in Ireland, though the country boasts many.