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
1949 Irish Greyhound Derby 1949 Irish Greyhound Derby The 1949 Irish Greyhound Derby took place during July and August with the final being held at Harold's Cross Stadium in Dublin on 12 August 1949. The winner Spanish Lad won £1,000 and was trained by Tim 'Chubb' O'Connor. At Harold's Cross, 12 August (over 525 yards): 2½, ½ (lengths) Tim 'Chubb' O’Connor bred a successful litter from a mating with his brood bitch Cordal Moonlight. He mated her to Shaggy Lad and the subsequent litter of Spanish Lad, Spanish Emperor, Spanish Treasure and Ardraw Moonlight all performed well in coursing competitions which prompted O'Connor to