Roscommon Racecourse
Roscommon Racecourse is located just a few minutes away from Roscommon town centre in County Roscommon, Ireland. The right-handed oval course of one mile and two furlongs has a difficult incline running up to the finishing post. It features six hurdles and six fences per circuit and is suitable for flat and National Hunt (jumps) racing. Roscommon Racecourse hosts around nine race meetings from May through until October each year. Popular events include the Grade 3 Kilbegnet Novice Chase held in September and the Listed Lenebane Stakes which take place in July.
Horse racing meetings were being organised by the military in Roscommon in 1837, however records indicate that official horse racing action first occurred in 1885. Roscommon Racecourse has continued to enjoy equine activity ever since, except for a short war-time break between 1936 and 1948. Over the years the venue has grown, adding more and more events onto its racing calendar and today, there are some nine race meetings on offer.
Roscommon Racecourse is favoured by many top-class trainers and is considered to be an excellent ground for preparing future winners. The successful Irish racehorse known as Imperial Call ran his first novice chase at Roscommon and went on to claim many victories. The now retired Irish thoroughbred racehorse called Enzeli won a race at Roscommon and then later went on to win the Ascot Gold Cup.
Roscommon Racecourse has welcomed many young horses to compete such as the two-year-old filly named Preseli who later became a top-rated performer throughout Ireland during 1999. In 2008, a filly known as Again ran her first race at Roscommon and similarly became a top-rated horse in Ireland in 2008, winning several important events. As a result, the venue has acquired a tradition for being a proving ground for future stars. Other notable horses include Bailey Green and Mr Smith.
In recent years, Roscommon Racecourse has undergone extensive works and upgrades to its facilities, such as the entrance turnstiles, stables and hospitality services. The venue offers a self-service restaurant, large dining area, a tea room, snack outlets and numerous bars. In 2004, a Stable Staff Award was given to the establishment for being the “Most Improved Racecourse in Ireland”. The venue’s racing calendar highlights include the listed Lenebane Stakes, Grade 3 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Kilbegnet Novice Chase, thetote.com Connacht National Handicap Chase, Irish Stallion Farms EBF Auction Race, Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Handicap, the Oran Hurdle and the October Knockcroghery Mares Maiden Hurdle