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
1953 Irish Greyhound Derby 1953 Irish Greyhound Derby The 1953 Irish Greyhound Derby took place during July and August with the final being held at Harold's Cross Stadium in Dublin on 7 August 1953. The winner Spanish Battleship won £500 and was trained by Tom Lynch and owned by Tim 'Chubb' O'Connor. At Harold's Cross, 7 August (over 525 yards): ¾, 4½, neck (lengths) Tim 'Chubb' O'Connor had taken charge of a litter in Ireland sired by Spanish Chestnut (the half-brother of 1949 Irish Greyhound Derby champion Spanish Lad). One of the litter Spanish Battleship was entered for the St Leger at Limerick but