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
1965 Irish Greyhound Derby Chief ran a superb race to catch early leader Tanyard Heather and the former eased to a three length victory, Hack up Chieftain was unlucky after finding trouble and ran on strongly for third place. 1965 Irish Greyhound Derby The 1965 Irish Greyhound Derby took place during July and August with the final being held at Harold's Cross Stadium in Dublin on 7 August 1965. The winner Ballyowen Chief won £2,000 and was trained by Gay McKenna and owned by Lillie McKenna. At Harold's Cross, 7 August (over 525 yards): 3, 1 (lengths) Gay McKenna finally won the Irish Derby