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Introduction:
The town of Clonmel is located between Waterford and Limerick, with the Comeragh Mountains to the south, and Slievenam to the north. The racecourse is actually situated in a wooded area of the Suir river valley, and with its protected position, the course is able to stage all year round racing.
Clonmel racecourse is known as Powerstown Park, and there has been racing on the current site since the early years of the nineteenth century. For around a hundred years, the races were free of charge, but unfortunately, this open policy attracted its fair share of conmen and ruffians. In 1913, Villiers Morton Jackson, the owner of the park, built the first grandstand, enclosed the racecourse, and charged a two shilling admission fee. He did this for two reasons. The economics of racing had changed, and admission charges meant better facilities, better prize money, and better race goers. In addition, the new type of race goers did not want to run the gauntlet of con men and pickpockets. The enclosed racecourse, backed up by locally employed detectives, enabled the owner of the park to banish these nefarious types for good.
Nowadays, Clonmel offers 4 days of competitive flat racing during the summer months, with 9 mixed national hunt, and 2 hurdle only days being staged during the winter jumping campaign. The highlight of the season occurs in November, with the running of the Grade 2 Clonmel Oils Chase. This race has witnessed victories for some of the best chasers of recent years, including, Edredon Bleu, and Beef or Salmon. However, pride of place has to go to Dorans Pride, who won the race four years in succession between 1997 and 2000.
Track facts:
Clonmel stages flat and national hunt racing.
Flat races are run right handed over an oval course measuring one mile two furlongs in circumference, and this circuit includes a home straight measuring two and a half furlongs in length.
The track has several undulations, including a stiff climb which begins a furlong from the winning post, and continues around the turn towards the back. The course then has a marked descent before it eventually levels out.
The steeplechase course is also 1 mile 2 furlongs in circumference, and has seven fences laid out in the following circuit pattern: a plain fence on the climb after the winning post, then in the back straight there are three plain fences followed by the sole open ditch, with the remaining two plain fences being located prior to the winning post on the home straight.
For hurdle races, the six removable flights of hurdles are positioned on the flat course. The layout is similar to the steeplechase course, with the hurdles being sited adjacent to the six plain fences of the jumps course.
With its combination of reasonably tough fences, and marked undulations, Clonmel is considered a stiff course.
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Enclosures and hospitality:
The listings below do not include the facilities available to Annual Members, and Owners and Trainers.
Grandstand and Paddock.
The Grandstand is situated opposite the winning post, and it provides good views of the whole course. There is access to the parade ring and winners enclosure.
The enclosure has a self service restaurant, two fully stocked bars, and a snack bar.
Private parties can arrange catering facilities in the Supporters Club Bar.
Disabled facilities:
The course has designated car parking for disabled race goers.
Elevated views of the racing action are obtained from a well positioned platform.
There is wheelchair access to the main bar and restaurant.
Disabled toilet facilities are located in the racecourse enclosure.
Fixtures:
2012:
Thursday 08 March
Thursday 05 April
Thursday 10 May
Thursday 31 May
Friday 15 June
Thursday 06 September
Sunday 30 September
Thursday 01 November
Thursday 15 November
Thursday 06 December
TRANSPORT LINKS:
By Road:
The town of Clonmel is on the N24 road between Waterford and limerick, and Clonmel racecourse is located 2 kilometres north of the town centre.
By Rail:
Clonmel is on the Waterford to Limerick Junction railway line.
Clonmel railway station is around 2 kilometres from the racecourse.
By Bus:
Clonmel has bus links to many other towns and cities. For full details contact Bus Eireann at Waterford bus station,
Eire tel no: 051 879 000.
From UK tel no: 00353 51 879 000.
Clonmel bus station is a short walk from the racecourse.
By Air:
Waterford Airport is 52 kilometres from Clonmel. The airport has direct flights to Birmingham, Luton, and Manchester airports.
To connect with bus or train services in Waterford, it is necessary to take a taxi from the airport.
CONTACT DETAILS:
Address:
Clonmel Racecourse,
Davis Road,
Clonmel,
County Tipperary.
Racecourse telephone details:
Eire tel: 052 61 72481 (non race days and the morning of racing).
From UK: 00353 52 61 72481.
Racecourse fax details:
Eire Fax: 052 61 26446 (non race days and morning of race days).
From UK: 00353 52 61 26446.
Eire tel & fax on race days: 052 61 21605.
From UK: 00353 52 61 21605:
E -Mail: administration@sportingpress.ie
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ACCOMMODATION:
Hotel Minella Clonmel.
Eire tel no: 052 22 388.
From UK tel no: 00353 52 22 388.
Situated in tranquil gardens on the banks of the River Suir, and offering splendid views of the Comeragh Mountains, the four star Hotel Minella forms the perfect base for race goers who are attending the historic Clonmel races. With original features dating back to 1863, the hotel has been tastefully upgraded and renovated to provide guests with the perfect combination of charm and comfort.
The Hotel Minella has a choice of 90 classic and contemporary guest rooms, all of which are stylish and well appointed. The top floor of the hotel offers a range of air conditioned guest rooms with panoramic views of the river and surrounding area. Top floor options include; 2 superior suites with balcony and outdoor hot tub facilities, 2 other balcony suites, junior suites, and 15 king size bedrooms. All of the hotel’s guest rooms are equipped with remote controlled digital flat screen televisions, free broadband internet access, and the standard room amenities discerning guests expect in a quality hotel. The Hotel Minella also has two bedroom apartments available in its Courtyard Annex – full details are available on our website.
With meals featuring the very best of local produce, the Minella Restaurant is the perfect place to relax while enjoying high calibre home cooking and friendly service, while parties of over twenty can enjoy our excellent private dining facilities.
Visitors choosing to use the Club Minella leisure facility receive full tuition from our highly qualified staff. You can work out in our fully equipped gymnasium, enjoy aerobics or toning classes, or just relax in our Canadian outdoor hot tub with it’s excellent views of the river Suir. Massage and a range of treatments are also available by appointment.
For further details on the Hotel Minella, or to book directly, use the link below:
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