Curragh Racecourse Curragh Racecourse The Curragh Racecourse, usually referred to as simply The Curragh, is Ireland's most important Thoroughbred racecourse. It is situated on the Curragh plain in County Kildare, between the towns of Newbridge and Kildare. The name "Curragh" comes from the Irish (Gaeilge) word "Cuirreach", meaning "place of the running horse". The first recorded race on the plain took place in 1727, but it was used for races 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 course is right-handed, about
1999 Irish Greyhound Derby trouble during the race. 1999 Irish Greyhound Derby The 1999 Irish Greyhound Derby took place during August and September with the final being held at Shelbourne Park in Dublin on 18 September 1999. The winner Spring Time won £60,000 and was trained and owned by Gerald Watson and bred by Charles Magill. The race was sponsored by the Ireland on Sunday. At Shelbourne, 18 September (over 550 yards): 3, 3½, 1, 2, ½, head (lengths) Chart King returned to Ireland as the winner of the 1999 English Greyhound Derby and 1999 Scottish Greyhound Derby champion and went into the Irish