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
1959 Irish Greyhound Derby 1959 Irish Greyhound Derby The 1959 Irish Greyhound Derby took place during July and August with the final being held at Harold's Cross Stadium in Dublin on 7 August 1959. The winner Sir Frederick won £500 and was trained by Tom Harty, owned by Mrs Hannah Cronin and bred by Jimmy Walsh. At Harold's Cross, 7 August (over 525 yards): 4, 3½ (lengths) Sir Frederick had been knocked over in the second round of the 1959 English Greyhound Derby and when he returned home his trainer Tom Harty aimed at the Irish Derby. He was the fastest round one winner