Navan Racecourse
Staging both National Hunt and flat racing, Navan Racecourse is located at Proudstown near Navan, County Meath, Ireland. It is a left-handed track covering one mile and four furlongs with a straight sprint track of almost six furlongs. The home-straight is around three-and-a-half furlongs in length with a steady uphill finish. The Chase Course consists of nine fences. The racing schedule hosts up to 18 meetings each year.
Navan Racecourse conducted its first horse racing event in 1920. The venue continued to flourish and over the years has gained a good reputation for staging many prestigious events. Some of the best horses in the UK have visited Navan Racecourse. Top trainers favour the venue as an ideal location to prepare for championship races. With visitor numbers steadily growing, the establishment is confident of a bright and prosperous future.
The top-class National Hunt horse, Moscow Flyer, won at Navan Racecourse before going on to claim victory at the 2003 Queen Mother Champion Chase in Cheltenham. The Irish thoroughbred racehorse, Brave Inca, was also a winner at Navan before triumphing at Cheltenham. Currently, Navan Racecourse is used as a preferred base by several professional trainers.
Important meetings at Navan Racecourse include the Tara Hurdle, the Lismullen Hurdle and the Fortria Chase. The Lismullen Hurdle began as an amateur competition and went on to become a professional race in 1992. It was next upgraded to Grade 3 status in 1994, and finally reached Grade 2 level in 1997.
Established in 1987, the Ladbrokes-sponsored Grade 2 National Hunt Boyne Hurdle race takes place in February over a distance of two miles five furlongs. Another important meeting, the Ballysax Stakes, is hosted in April.
One of Navan Racecourse’s most popular events is the Navan Novice Hurdle held in mid-December. The high profile race is two miles and four furlongs in length and attracts top novice hurdlers keen to gain experience in preparation for the Punchestown and Cheltenham festivals. Visitor attendances are generally high at Navan Racecourse thanks to the first-class racing and significant prize money. Serious horse racing enthusiasts, families and to those who are new to racing, have plenty of different events to choose from.
Navan Racecourse boasts modern facilities which cater for an array of functions including fine dining and banquets in any of the three suites, to corporate gatherings, weddings and private parties. All of the suites benefit from spectacular views across the racecourse and surrounding greenery. There are several bars, Tote betting facilities, coffee shops and children’s play areas. Ticket prices vary depending on the event. There are various packages on offer with differing extras included. Tickets can be booked online or bought on the door. There are group discounts available and annual membership packages. The establishment recommends that visitors dress for the weather; however, there is no formal dress code.