LAYTOWN RACECOURSE
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Introduction:
'Unique' is a word which is very much overused these days, but it is the right description of Laytown races. The one day fixture is held in September, but the actual date is dependant on the tidal calendar, for it is the only racecourse in Europe where flat racing under rules takes place on a race track which is constructed on a beach.
Laytown is on the east coast of the republic, and around fifty kilometres north of Dublin. Most of the year it is a small but popular seaside town, but for one day a year it becomes a major racing attraction.
Based on the latest historical evidence, Laytown races first took place in 1868, and were originally the accompanying attraction to the Boyne Rowing Regatta. It seems when the tide was 'in', rowing took place, and when the tide went 'out', horse racing took place on the three mile strand joining Laytown and Bettystown. The existing records suggest home rule activist Charles Stuart Parnell was one of the stewards involved in the organisation of the early race meetings at Laytown.
In 1901, much to the chagran of the Bishop of Meath, the local parish priest set about organising an annual race meeting, and his efforts were bolstered in later years when local landowner Paddy Delaney realised the potential of the event, and purchased the three acre site called Race Field, which to this day houses the official areas of the racecourse and provides excellent views of the finishing line.
In the 1950's and 1960's, with artificial tracks not even possible, Laytown was used to train horses for the Galway Festival, and the race track was a U shaped loop of two miles in length which ran from Laytown to Bettystown and back to the start point at Laytown.
In those days, the whole beach area was a awash with; cars, spectators, food kiosks, bookmakers and other gaming stalls. But a serious incident in 1994 brought about the formalization of the meeting under official rules, the reduction in the size and length of the track, and the removal of all but the racing action from the beach area.
Perhaps due to this formalization and accompanying marketing efforts by the Irish racing authorities, over the last twenty years the fame of the races has spread worldwide, and every year on the designated date, a large crowd of Irish race goers is liberally sprinkled with racing fans from a host of different countries.
Track facts:
Laytown is a unique beach course staging flat racing.
From early morning on the chosen September day, Laytown strand is prepared to allow fast and safe racing on a straight and level course which can stage races of up to a maximum of seven furlongs.
The area around the start is railed, as is the final furlong and first part of the pulling up area. The remainder of the course is designated by flag poles.
On race day, there are two races of six furlongs, and four races of seven furlongs. Each race has a maximum of ten runners, plus three reserve horses in case of withdrawals.
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Enclosure and hospitality:
The enclosure consists of a three acre field which is elevated above the beach racetrack.
On the day before racing, marquees and tents are erected in the field. These canvass facilities include, the stewards and administration area, jockeys changing and weighing room, and of course, a selection of bar, dining, and fast food areas.
A series of permanent steps have been built into the face of the sand dunes, and these act as a terraced grandstand during the racing action.
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Disabled facilities:
A giant television screen provides close up coverage of the races for those unable to use the beach viewing terrace, but the closing stages of each race can be observed from Race Field.
Fixture:
2011:
Thursday 08 September.
TRANSPORT LINKS:
By Road:
Laytown is around fifty kilometres from Dublin. Traffic using the N1 Dublin to Belfast main road should turn off at the signs for Julianstown. Follow the R132 into Julianstown, and then follow the R150 to Laytown.
By Rail:
Laytown railway station is connected by regular train services to Drogheda and Dublin Connolly railway stations.
By Bus:
On the annual race day, a special bus service operates between Drogheda and Laytown. For full details, please contact Bus Eireann at Drogheda bus station on: 041 983 5023.
The 191 Bus Eireann service is a once a day direct service from Laytown to Dublin via Dublin airport.
The 100X hourly express service connects Drogheda with Dublin Airport and Dublin city centre. This faster service then connects with regular services running between Drogheda and Laytown.
By Air:
Dublin airport is around sixty kilometres from Laytown. Apart from taxis, there are connecting bus services, see above.
CONTACT DETAILS:
Address: Laytown Races, Laytown, County Meath,
c/o Kevin Coleman, 9 Palace Street, Drogheda, Co Louth.
Racecourse telephone details:
Eire tel no: 041 984 2111.
From UK, tel no: 00353 41 984 21 11.
Racecourse fax details:
Eire fax no: 041 983 75 66.
From UK, fax no: 00353 41 983 75 66.
E-Mail: kevin@bellewstownraces.ie
ACCOMMODATION:
The d Hotel Drogheda, Co Louth. Ireland.
Ireland tel no: 041 987 77 00.
Tel no from UK: 00 353 41 987 77 00.
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