Limerick Racecourse

Limerick Racecourse features a right-handed oval track that spans approximately 11 furlongs.

For jumps racing, the course includes eight fences and two ditches, with five fences positioned in quick succession along the back straight. The design of the jumps track emphasizes stamina due to the uphill section in the back straight, which can challenge horses as they approach the latter stages of a race.

In terms of racing strategy for jumps, competitors often need to balance speed and stamina, particularly as they navigate the undulating terrain. Riders typically aim to maintain a strong position early on to avoid getting caught behind slower horses, especially when approaching the series of fences. The final stretch features a slight uphill gradient, which can further test a horse’s endurance as they make their bid for victory.

For flat racing, Limerick Racecourse also presents unique challenges. The course’s layout includes a sharp turn after the winning post and a stiff climb in the back straight, followed by a downhill run leading into the home straight. This configuration allows for varied race strategies; front-runners may benefit from establishing an early lead, while those who prefer to come from behind can capitalize on the downhill section to gain momentum.

Regarding draw bias, Limerick generally favors horses drawn low in sprint races due to the configuration of the track and the positioning of the starting gates. However, as races progress longer distances, this bias may diminish, allowing horses from wider draws to compete effectively if they can navigate the turns well.

Limerick has a racing history that dates back to 1790, making it one of Ireland’s oldest racing traditions. Over the course of 225 years, horse racing in Limerick was held at seven different locations, including Bruff, Newcastle West, Rathkeale, Lemonfield, Ballinacurra, and Greenpark.

The Greenpark venue, which hosted races for 130 years, was a central part of Limerick’s sporting life but eventually closed in 1999 due to urban expansion. This closure marked the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for horse racing in Limerick.

In 1996, Greenmount Park was purchased as the new site for Limerick Racecourse. Located six kilometers from Limerick city near Patrickswell, the nearly 400-acre greenbelt farmland had previously been used for point-to-point racing.

The site’s natural beauty and panoramic views made it an ideal choice for a modern racecourse. However, significant civil engineering work was required to prepare the land due to a dramatic 27.5-meter fall across the site and a steep drop of 12 meters over just 70 meters. These challenges were addressed through extensive leveling, drainage infrastructure, and construction of roads and parking facilities.

The new racecourse was designed from scratch and became the first purpose-built facility in Ireland in over 60 years. It features a Grade 1 racetrack with state-of-the-art amenities, including a grandstand with a cantilevered truss roof offering excellent shelter and views for spectators. Additional facilities include stables located near the parade ring, weigh rooms, offices, bars, and hospitality suites.

Limerick Racecourse officially opened on October 21, 2001, with an inaugural meeting that attracted over 18,000 attendees. Since then, it has become one of Ireland’s premier racing venues.

Address: Greenmount Park, Main St, Patrickswell, Co. Limerick, V94 K858, Ireland

Tel: +353 61 320 000

Email: info@limerickraces.ie

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