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
1966 Irish Greyhound Derby 1966 Irish Greyhound Derby The 1966 Irish Greyhound Derby took place during July and August with the final being held at Shelbourne Park in Dublin on 6 August 1966. The winner Always Proud won £2,000 and was trained by Gay McKenna and owned and bred by Albert Lucas. At Shelbourne, 6 August (over 525 yards): 1½, neck (lengths) The fastest first round winners were the joint ante-post favourites, McAlinden cup winner Newrath Wonder and the Gay McKenna trained Always Proud, they won in 29.48 and 29.49 respectively, followed closely by 1965 Irish Greyhound Derby finalist Val's Prince in 29.60. In