Racetracks in Ireland
Ireland’s horse racing heritage can be traced back to the seventeenth century, with interruptions in the running of the sport taking place due to war and turbulence in the country. As the revolt led by Oliver Cromwell came to an end, Charles II resumed the throne, which in turn led to the restoration of the horse racing industry. The first racing event was therefore run in 1666, and has resulted in Ireland having a rich and fascinating horse racing history.
Today, spectators and horsemen have a variety of tracks and events to choose from, including Limerick Racecourse, Wexford Racecourse and Galway Race Track. The area of Killarney saw racing take place here from 1822, and in 1936 the Killarney Racecourse officially opened. Tracks are located across the country, and racing fans can also visit racecourses such as the famous Leopardstown Racecourse (Established in 1888), Tipperary Racecourse (Established in 1848) and Gowran Park, where the first racing event was recorded in 1914. Horse racing in Ireland is an historic and exciting sport, where horsemen, racing enthusiasts and visitors meet.
The horse racing regulatory body in Ireland is The Irish Turf Club, which was established in 1790. It encompasses the Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Committee and is therefore concerned with both national hunt and flat racing. The Irish Turf Club is responsible for creating and enforcing horse racing rules in the country, working to improve local racing and the administration of Curragh Racecourse.