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
2002 Irish Greyhound Derby in 29.42 which represented a new track record by no less than 15 spots (0.15sec). Heavenly Hero ran on well for third behind Droopys Rhys and Droopys Agassi faded into last place. 2002 Irish Greyhound Derby The 2002 Irish Greyhound Derby took place during August and September with the final being held at Shelbourne Park in Dublin on 14 September 2002. The winner Bypass Byway won €150,000 and was trained by Ollie Bray, owned by Michael Kearney and bred by Pat D'Arcy. The race was sponsored by the Paddy Power. At Shelbourne, 14 September (over 550 yards): 5¼, 1¾, 1¼,