Downpatrick Racecourse

The first race meeting to be held at Downpatrick was over 300 years ago - 1685. Racing has continued to take place with few breaks since, and on the present course for the last 200 years which is situated one mile away from the centre of this historic town.

A tight, undulating track of 1 1/4 miles; many top National Hunt horses have started their careers at Downpatrick including the dual National winner Rhyme n’ Reason, Cheltenham winners Rathgorman, Tourist Attraction and Sparky Gayle.

Downpatrick is possibly the friendliest course in Ireland with a strong local following. It has a supporters club which was formed in the early ’70s and has raised substantial sums since its inception. Notably, Downpatrick is one of the four racecourses where all races are sponsored.