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 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 with Ballyowen Chief a greyhound he trained for his wife Lillie. The McKenna family had gone close in the past with Gay’s father Joe finishing runner up back in 1934. With the prize money for