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The Curragh Racecourse

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The Curragh Racecourse

The Curragh Racecourse is a horse-racing track in Newbridge, County Kildare, Ireland. It opened in 1868, at Curragh plain.

History of Curragh Racecourse

3rd Century – Historical tradition records chariot racing on the Curragh Plains as early as the 3rd century.

17th Century – Noblemen staged match races between privately owned horses over a 4-mile course on the Curragh.

1727 – The first recorded race meeting was held at the Curragh.

1760s – The Irish Turf Club was founded in County Kildare and became the governing body for racing at the Curragh and throughout Ireland.

1865 – A parliamentary commission was established to examine the Curragh, including its common-pasture rights and its use for racing and racehorse training.

1866 – The inaugural Irish Derby was held at the Curragh.

1868 – The Curragh of Kildare Act settled common-pasture rights and preserved the Curragh for horse racing and racehorse training.

2017 – Construction began on a major redevelopment of the racecourse.

2019 – The redeveloped racecourse reopened with the Aga Khan Stand, reconstructed parade ring, refurbished stable areas, restaurants, hospitality spaces, and visitor facilities.

2020 – Refurbishment of the 11-furlong sand-and-fibre gallop at Maddenstown was completed.

2025 – The Curragh opened Ireland’s first permanent purpose-built sensory room at a racecourse.

Main Course

  • The Curragh is a right-handed Thoroughbred Flat racing venue with a natural turf surface.
  • The Curragh Racecourse has a right-handed horseshoe-shaped course over 2 miles.
  • It has no sharp bends.
  • The active racing layout consists of the Straight Course, Derby Course, and Plate Course.
  • The courses share the same winning post and a straight 3-furlong uphill run-in.

Straight Course

  • The Straight Course includes:
    • A 1-mile chute.
    • A 7-furlong start.
    • A 6-furlong-and-63-yard start.
    • A 6-furlong start.
    • A 5-furlong start.
  • Races over 5 and 6 furlongs are conducted entirely on the Straight Course.

Derby Course

  • The Derby Course is the inner horseshoe-shaped turf course.
  • It includes:
    • A 1-mile-and-6-furlong start.
    • A 1-mile-and-4-furlong start.
    • A 1-mile chute.
  • It shares the home straight, 3-furlong run-in, and winning post with the Plate Course.

Plate Course

  • The Plate Course is the outer horseshoe-shaped turf course and measures over 2 miles.
  • It includes:
    • A 2-mile start.
    • A 1-mile-and-6-furlong start.
    • A 1-mile-and-4-furlong start.
    • A 1-mile-and-1-furlong start.
    • A 1-mile-and-2½-furlong chute.
  • It shares the home straight, 3-furlong run-in, and winning post with the Derby Course.

• Curragh Training Grounds

  • The Curragh Training Grounds cover approximately 1,500 acres and contain about 80 miles of gallops.
  • The facilities include natural-turf, peat, woodchip, sand-and-fibre, sand, clay-and-sand, and other artificial training surfaces.
  • Grass gallops are rotated throughout the year to preserve fresh ground, while the artificial gallops provide year-round training options.
  • More than 50 trainers are based near the gallops.
  • The training grounds are maintained and operated throughout the year.

Racecourse-Side Training Grounds

  • The Old Vic
    • The Old Vic is a 9-furlong uphill woodchip gallop running in front of the racecourse stands and climbing towards Walsh’s Hill.
    • It climbs steadily for 1 mile and 1 furlong.
    • It is the Curragh’s principal gallop for fast work.
    • It was commissioned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and named after Old Vic, winner of the 1989 Irish Derby.
  • The Free Eagle
    • The Free Eagle is a 9-furlong uphill sand-and-fibre gallop running alongside the Old Vic.
    • Its slower surface provides an alternative to the Old Vic’s woodchip.
    • It was named after Moyglare Stud’s Group 1 winner Free Eagle.
  • Canter Down
    • Canter Down is an 8-furlong sand gallop located within the racecourse-side training area.
  • Flat Rath
    • Flat Rath is an 8-furlong grass gallop running in front of the racecourse stands.
    • The gallops normally open each May.

Walsh’s Hill and Central Grass Gallops

  • Walsh’s Hill
    • Walsh’s Hill is the highest point within the Curragh Training Grounds.
    • It normally opens each March.
    • The area includes canters and grass, trial, and peat gallops ranging from 8 to 12 furlongs.
    • The individual gallops include:
      • An 8-furlong main grass gallop.
      • A 12-furlong grass trial gallop.
      • A 12-furlong peat trial gallop.
      • A 10-furlong grass gallop known as Walsh’s Hill Right.
    • Sea the Stars and Harzand were among the horses prepared on the Walsh’s Hill gallops.
  • Bush Grass
    • Bush Grass is a 10-furlong grass gallop.
    • It provides a stiff training test for National Hunt horses.
    • It is particularly popular during the winter months.

Round Sand and Schooling Grounds

  • The Round Sand
    • The Round Sand is a 9-furlong round all-weather circuit with a sand-and-fibre surface.
    • It is used for cantering Flat and National Hunt horses.
    • It is also used for faster work by National Hunt and point-to-point trainers.
    • It provides the strongest test among the Curragh’s all-weather gallops.
  • Inside Plough
    • The Inside Plough is a 4-furlong clay-and-sand circuit situated inside the Round Sand.
  • Schooling Grounds
    • The schooling grounds are located beside the Round Sand.
    • They include:
      • An all-weather schooling strip.
      • Grass schooling facilities for hurdles and fences.
      • A round grass circuit with 8 hurdles.
      • Regular, easy-fix, and padded hurdle options.
      • A separate grass strip with 3 schooling fences.
      • Grand National-style fences installed at selected times.
    • Grass schooling over hurdles and fences normally operates on Tuesdays and Fridays.
    • The all-weather schooling strip operates from Monday through Saturday throughout the year.
    • Grand National-style fences are dressed twice each year before the Beecher Chase and Grand National.

Little Curragh Training Grounds

  • The Little Curragh is an outlying training area away from the main racecourse-side gallops.
  • It includes:
    • A 7-furlong round woodchip gallop with a chute.
    • A 5½-furlong straight sand-and-fibre gallop.
  • Sea the Stars and Romanised were among the horses trained from the Little Curragh area.

Maddenstown Training Grounds

  • Maddenstown is an outlying training area within the wider Curragh training network.
  • It includes:
    • A 7-furlong grass gallop.
    • A 7-furlong woodchip gallop.
    • An 11-furlong sand-and-fibre gallop.
  • Refurbishment of the 11-furlong sand-and-fibre gallop was completed in August 2020.

Aga Khan Stand

  • The Aga Khan Stand is the Curragh’s principal grandstand and contains the main public viewing, dining, hospitality, wagering, and event facilities.
  • The 4-level grandstand accommodates approximately 6,000 people and covers about 10,500 square meters.
  • Its first 2 levels contain public cafés, food outlets, bars, and Tote facilities, while the upper 2 levels contain restaurants, bars, hospitality suites, private boxes, and other premium areas.
  • Champions Hall
    • Champions Hall is a large, adaptable public and event space within the Aga Khan Stand.
    • It can be configured for conferences, exhibitions, trade shows, presentations, corporate events, and private functions.
    • Audiovisual equipment and catering support are available.
    • Guineas Bar
      • Located on the ground floor of Champions Hall.
      • Includes public seating and a large screen.
    • Atrium Café
      • Located in a ground-floor corner of Champions Hall.
      • Serves sandwiches, tea, coffee, and sweet items.
  • St. Leger Restaurant
    • Located on the 3rd floor of the Aga Khan Stand.
    • Accommodates parties of 1 to 100 guests.
    • Overlooks the racecourse, parade ring, and surrounding countryside.
    • Offers advance-booked 3-course à la carte or buffet dining on selected race days.
  • Winning Line Lounge
    • Located on the top floor of the Aga Khan Stand and adjoining the St. Leger Restaurant.
    • Accommodates up to 120 seated guests.
    • Includes a dedicated balcony overlooking the winning line and Curragh Plains.
  • Private Boxes
    • Located on the 2nd floor of the Aga Khan Stand.
    • Accommodate groups of 10 to 16 guests.
    • Provide private, racecourse-facing hospitality space.
    • Dining options may include formal 3-course dining, buffet service, or a self-service street-food menu.
  • Private Suites
    • Located on the 3rd floor of the Aga Khan Stand.
    • Accommodate groups of 18 to 60 guests.
    • Include the Galileo Suite and private racecourse-facing balconies.
    • Dining options may include formal 3-course dining, buffet service, or a self-service street-food menu.
  • Tattersalls Owners and Trainers Club
    • Located on the 2nd floor of the Aga Khan Stand.
    • Includes a restaurant, bar, and terrace overlooking the parade ring.
    • Access is restricted to eligible owners, trainers, syndicate members, racing-club members, and registered guests.
    • Qualifying ownership groups receive 4 complimentary meals on race days.
  • Tattersalls Champagne Bar
    • Located on the 1st floor of the Aga Khan Stand.
    • Includes a terrace overlooking the parade ring.
    • Open to all racegoers.
    • Serves champagne, other beverages, afternoon tea, and a light menu.
  • Lilywhites Lounge
    • Located on the 2nd floor of the Aga Khan Stand.
    • Open to all racegoers.
    • Provides indoor seating and racecourse views.
  • Derby Bar
    • Located on the 2nd floor of the Aga Khan Stand.
    • Open to all racegoers during race meetings.
    • Provides a public bar and social area with views of the racecourse.

Queen’s Room

  • The historic Queen’s Room was removed from the former grandstand and reconstructed block by block as a separate building near the parade ring.
  • The building dates from 1853.
  • It is used to welcome returning race winners.
  • Shoda Café
    • Located on the ground floor of the Queen’s Room.
    • Positioned beside the Moyglare Kids Zone.
    • Overlooks the pre-parade ring and parade ring.
    • Serves tea, coffee, homemade sandwiches, and sweet items.

Moyglare Kids Zone

  • A separate children’s area containing a playground and dedicated activity marquee.
  • Complimentary children’s activities are available during selected race meetings.

Stable Facilities

  • Stable Yards
    • The stable yards were refurbished during the racecourse redevelopment.
    • They provide race-day accommodation and working areas for competing horses.
    • The facilities support trainers, stable employees, veterinary personnel, and racing officials.
    • Secure overnight stabling may be arranged in advance for overseas runners.
    • Shavings or paper bedding are supplied instead of straw.
  • Moyglare Stud Stable Staff Canteen
    • Provides complimentary race-day dining for stable employees working with runners.
  • Stable Staff Lounge
    • Provides a separate race-day area for working stable employees.

Parade Ring

  • The parade ring is located outside the Aga Khan Stand near the Queen’s Room.
  • It was reconstructed and enlarged during the redevelopment completed in 2019.
  • It covers more than 180 square meters and provides approximately 6 meters of space for each horse.
  • Public viewing and hospitality areas overlook the ring.

Orby’s by Lucy

  • Located at the main racecourse entrance.
  • Open to the public 7 days a week.
  • Serves breakfast, lunch, artisan food, and baked items.

Sensory Room

  • The permanent sensory room opened in May 2025.
  • The purpose-built room provides a controlled space for neurodivergent children and their families during race meetings.
  • It was the first permanent facility of its type at an Irish racecourse.
  • It includes soft furnishings, mood lighting, tactile wall panels, interactive elements, sensory seating, and a dark den.
  • The room is available during all race meetings.

Schedule of Major Races in Curragh Racecourse

🐎 Live Racing Schedule

  • The Curragh stages 24 Thoroughbred Flat meetings during the 2026 season, beginning in March and concluding in November.
  • Season Opening – The season begins on March 15.
  • Spring Racing – Additional meetings are staged in March, April, and early May.
  • Tattersalls Irish Guineas Weekend – This two-day meeting is held in May and features the Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas, Tattersalls Irish 1,000 Guineas, and Tattersalls Gold Cup.
  • Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival – This three-day meeting is held in late June and concludes with the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby.
  • Juddmonte Irish Oaks Weekend – This two-day meeting is held in July and features the Juddmonte Irish Oaks.
  • August Summer Series – Four meetings are staged during August, including the Keeneland Phoenix Stakes meeting and Pat Smullen Race Day.
  • Irish Champions Festival – The Curragh hosts the second day of the festival in September, highlighted by the Comer Group International Irish St. Leger.
  • Autumn Racing – Additional meetings are staged during late September and October.
  • Season Finale – The Curragh concludes its 2026 season on November 1.

Major Race Events

  • 🐴 Tattersalls Irish Guineas Weekend.
  • 🐴 Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival.
  • 🐴 Juddmonte Irish Oaks Weekend.
  • 🐴 Keeneland Phoenix Stakes Day.
  • 🐴 Pat Smullen Race Day.
  • 🐴 Irish Champions Festival – Day Two.
  • 🐴 Autumn Racing Weekend – Featuring the Goffs Million and the Friends of the Curragh Irish Cesarewitch.

Graded Events

Group I

  • 🐴 Irish 2,000 Guineas.
  • 🐴 Irish 1,000 Guineas.
  • 🐴 Tattersalls Gold Cup.
  • 🐴 Irish Derby.
  • 🐴 Pretty Polly Stakes.
  • 🐴 Irish Oaks.
  • 🐴 Phoenix Stakes.
  • 🐴 Flying Five Stakes.
  • 🐴 Moyglare Stud Stakes.
  • 🐴 Vincent O’Brien National Stakes.
  • 🐴 Irish St. Leger.

Group II

  • 🐴 Mooresbridge Stakes.
  • 🐴 Greenlands Stakes.
  • 🐴 Ridgewood Pearl Stakes.
  • 🐴 Railway Stakes.
  • 🐴 Airlie Stud Stakes.
  • 🐴 Sapphire Stakes.
  • 🐴 Curragh Cup.
  • 🐴 Minstrel Stakes.
  • 🐴 Debutante Stakes.
  • 🐴 Futurity Stakes.
  • 🐴 Blandford Stakes.

Group III

  • 🐴 Park Express Stakes.
  • 🐴 Gladness Stakes.
  • 🐴 Athasi Stakes.
  • 🐴 Gallinule Stakes.
  • 🐴 Marble Hill Stakes.
  • 🐴 International Stakes.
  • 🐴 Anglesey Stakes.
  • 🐴 Meadow Court Stakes.
  • 🐴 Phoenix Sprint Stakes.
  • 🐴 Royal Whip Stakes.
  • 🐴 Irish St. Leger Trial Stakes.
  • 🐴 Round Tower Stakes.
  • 🐴 Renaissance Stakes.
  • 🐴 Weld Park Stakes.
  • 🐴 Loughbrown Stakes.
  • Address: Curragh Racecourse, County Kildare, R56 RR67, Ireland. The racecourse is situated within the Curragh Plains.
  • By Road: From Dublin, take Exit 9 from the M50 onto the N7 southbound, continue onto the M7, and leave at Exit 12.
  • Rail Access: Mainline trains serve Kildare and Newbridge railway stations.
  • Race-Day Transportation: Complimentary return buses serve Kildare town and railway station on all 2026 race days. Newbridge town and railway station are served on designated days, including Classic meetings and selected local race days. Services follow published timetables and do not operate continuously.
  • Parking: Designated race-day parking is free and signposted on arrival.
  • Accessible Parking: Accessible parking spaces are available at every meeting. Visitors should display a valid Blue Badge and follow directions from race-day staff.
  • Assistance Dogs: Only assistance dogs are permitted past the racecourse turnstiles.
  • Opening Times: Turnstiles generally open approximately two hours before the first race, although visitors should check the relevant race-day page for confirmed times.

Other racetracks are sorted and listed on the page “List of Racetracks”. To view the full list, hit the button below. You can also check the horse racing types and breeds to have a lot more in-depth knowledge about horse racing. 

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