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
1980 Irish Greyhound Derby 1980 Irish Greyhound Derby The 1980 Irish Greyhound Derby took place during June and July with the final being held at Shelbourne Park in Dublin on 26 July 1980. The winner Suir Miller won £22,500 and was trained by Michael Barrett, owned and bred by Elizabeth Flood. The competition was sponsored by Carrolls. At Shelbourne, 26 July (over 525 yards): 3¼, ½, head (lengths) Indian Joe topped the ante-post list after his 1980 English Greyhound Derby win and Ger McKenna's Knockrour Slave and Nameless Pixie were considered major contenders. English derby finalist Fred Flinstone lined up for the event and