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
1979 Irish Greyhound Derby 1979 Irish Greyhound Derby The 1979 Irish Greyhound Derby took place during June and July with the final being held at Shelbourne Park in Dublin on 28 July 1979. The winner Penny County won £20,000 and was trained by Matt Travers, owned by Paddy Hurney & Sean Dunne and bred by Con Moore. The competition was sponsored by Carrolls. At Shelbourne, 28 July (over 525 yards): 2¼, ¾, 1¼, 6, short-head (lengths) The fastest time in the opening round of the Irish Derby was set by Up Nineteen in 29.06 secs, closely followed by Penny County in 29.12. Other winners