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
1970 Irish Greyhound Derby 1970 Irish Greyhound Derby The 1970 Irish Greyhound Derby took place during July and August with the final being held at Shelbourne Park in Dublin on 8 August 1970. There was a major breakthrough for the Irish Derby after it received sponsorship from P.J.Carroll and Co, a cigarette company who contributed £3,500 towards the event. The first prize carried a valuable £5,000 and the competition itself had £8,460 prize money in total. The winner Monalee Pride won £5,000 and was trained by Gay McKenna, owned by Dave Cahill and bred by Bertie Hatton. At Shelbourne, 8 August (over 525 yards):