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
1997 Irish Greyhound Derby 1997 Irish Greyhound Derby The 1997 Irish Greyhound Derby took place during August, September and October with the final being held at Shelbourne Park in Dublin on 4 October 1997. The winner Toms The Best won £50,000 and was trained by Nick Savva, owned by Eddie Shotton and bred by Ian Greaves. The race was sponsored by the Ireland on Sunday. At Shelbourne, 4 October (over 550 yards): ¾, 2, 3¼, head, ½ (lengths) The English challenge for the newly sponsored Ireland on Sunday Irish Greyhound Derby was very strong with the 1997 English Greyhound Derby and 1997 Scottish Greyhound