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
2005 Irish Greyhound Derby 2005 Irish Greyhound Derby The 2005 Irish Greyhound Derby took place during August and September with the final being held at Shelbourne Park in Dublin on 17 September 2005. The winner He Said So won €150,000 and was trained by Tim O'Donovan, owned by Jim Hennessy & Tim O'Donovan and bred by Mick O'Donovan. The race was sponsored by the Paddy Power. At Shelbourne, 17 September (over 550 yards): 4½, 4½, short-head, head, 1¾ (lengths) The 2005 Irish Derby was highly anticipated after the inclusion of the English Greyhound Derby champion Westmead Hawk. In addition to the ante-post favourite were