Curragh Racecourse

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Curragh Racecourse
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Name	Curragh Racecourse
County	Kildare
Nearest Town	Newbridge
Access Road	M7
About	The Curragh Racecourse is the best known track in horseracing circles in Ireland. The first recorded race on the plain took place in 1727, but it was used informally for races and training even before then. 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. The Curragh Racecourse is Ireland's most important track for thoroughbred racing. It is situated on the vast Curragh plain near Newbridge in the flatlands of County Kildare. The Curragh plains are commonage and many of the best stables in the country are located in and around it for convenience and freedom of use. The course itself 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 of the actual course which is now controlled by a statutory body, Horse Racing Ireland. The Curragh offers the highest purses and highest quality level of flat racing in Ireland. All 5 Irish classics are run at The Curragh, these being the Irish 1000 Guineas, Irish 2000 Guineas, Irish Derby, Irish Oaks, and Irish St. Leger.

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