Curragh Racecourse

In a country where breeding classic racehorses is almost as widespread as the green grass on which they thrive, the Home of the Classics is the Curragh racecourse. The ancient Gaelic name Curragh actually means racecourse and in the very earliest Irish manuscripts, the Curragh figured as a place of sport for Celtic Kings and their people.

The 17th century saw the Curragh become a sporting resort of the chief governors and administrators of Ireland. Every summer Dublin Castle was almost deserted as the lord lieutenant and his entourage came to Kildare to watch or compete in the racing at the Curragh. The number of King's Plates varied over the two centuries from 1700, but the vast majority of them were contested on the Curragh. Not surprisingly therefore the Curragh became the social centre and administrative headquarters of racing in Ireland over that time.

At the end of the 18th century, the Curragh had become permanently fringed by the lodges and stables of the most prominent owners, breeders and trainers in the country. These lodges and stables in name and even in fabric have survived in the hands of an equally illustrious racing community today. The first Irish Derby took place at the Curragh in 1866-this famous Classic has a legendary reputation for bringing out the best in horses and riders. It also ranks as Ireland's premier sporting and social event.

Today, as the headquarters of thoroughbred racing in Ireland, the Curragh caters for all five classic races in the country, as well as fourteen other prestigious meetings during the Irish racing calendar.