Curragh Racecourse

Horse Racetrack
The Curragh
Location	Newbridge, Co. Kildare, Ireland
Race type	Thoroughbred Flat
Website	www.curragh.ie
Principal Races
Irish 1,000 Guineas (G1)
Irish 2,000 Guineas (G1)
Irish Derby (G1)
Irish Oaks (G1)
Irish St. Leger (G1)

The Curragh Racecourse, usually abbreviated to The Curragh, is Ireland's most important Thoroughbred race track. It is situated on the Curragh plain near Newbridge, County Kildare, Ireland.

History

The name "Curragh" comes from the Irish (Gaeilge) word Cuirreach, meaning "racecourse". The first recorded race on the plain took place in 1727, but it was used for races before then.^[1] The first Derby was held in 1866, and in 1868 the Curragh was officially declared a horse racing and training facility by act of parliament.

Racing

The course is right-handed, about two miles long and horseshoe-shaped. Races up to six furlongs are run on a straight course. Additionally there are several training facilities on the site.

The Curragh offers the highest purses and highest quality level of Flat racing in Ireland. In 2007, 10 of Ireland's 12 Group One races will be held at the track.

The Curragh Racecourse

All 5 Irish classics are run at The Curragh.

• Irish 1,000 Guineas
• Irish 2,000 Guineas
• Irish Derby
• Irish Oaks
• Irish St. Leger
• See also: List of Irish flat horse races

Transport

Curragh Racecourse railway station opened in 1875, but finally closed on 7 March 1977.^[2]

References

1. ^ Curragh.ie - About/History
2. ^ "Curragh Racecourse station". Railscot - Irish Railways. http://www.railscot.co.uk/Ireland/Irish_railways.pdf. Retrieved 2007-09-23. 

External links

• Curragh.ie - Official site
• Pattern race calendar can on Horse Racing Ireland's site

Coordinates: 53°9′55″N 6°50′43″W / 53.16528°N 6.84528°W / 53.16528; -6.84528