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
2008 Irish Greyhound Derby 2008 Irish Greyhound Derby The 2008 Irish Greyhound Derby took place during August and September with the final being held at Shelbourne Park in Dublin on 13 September 2008. The winner Shelbourne Aston won €175,000 and was trained by Pat Curtin (Ireland), owned by the Curtin-Hehir-Montgomery Syndicate and bred by James Marks. The race was sponsored by the Paddy Power. At Shelbourne, 13 September (over 550 yards): short-head, 1¼, head, head, 4 (lengths) Defending champion Tyrur Rhino and 2007 runner-up Tyrur Laurel were two of the leading entries for the 2008 Irish Derby. 2008 English Greyhound Derby champion Loyal Honcho