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In racing terminology, it would be fair to describe Roscommon racecourse as a Dark Horse. Situated in the central region of the republic, seventy six kilometres north east of Galway, and one hundred and thirty six kilometres west of Dublin, Roscommon is a wonderful unpublicised racing location, and the lively and friendly crowds who return each year hope it stays that way.
The initial races in Roscommon were staged in 1837, and were started by the officers of the towns British military garrison. Regulated races were first organised on the current site in 1885, and apart from a twelve year hiatus between 1936 and 1948, race meetings have been staged ever since.
It would be fair to say, Roscommon is a summer racecourse. Race meetings occur mainly between early May and late September, and in 2011, the course will host nine days of racing.
The main meeting is in late September, and features the Grade 3 Kilbegnet Novice Chase worth around 30,000 euros. However, the two day fixtures in June and July are very popular, and are always supported by large enthusiastic crowds.
Roscommon is used by leading trainers as a trial course for some of their better juvenile and novice horses. For example, the Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Imperial Call ran his first ever race at Roscommon.
Roscommon stages both flat and national hunt racing.
The course is run right handed over a circuit measuring one mile two furlongs in circumference. On the three and a half furlong home straight, there is a marked climb up to the winning post.
The hurdles course has six flights.
The steeplechase course has six fences.
The listings below do not include the facilities available to Annual Members, or owners and trainers.
Roscommon is a spectator friendly course, and there are good views from the grandstand and enclosure areas. Ticket holders have access to all the public areas of the racecourse.
The course has a spacious formal dining room, self service restaurant, snack bar, a tea room, and several well stocked bars.
Corporate hospitality is available for parties of up to 60 in the Grandstand Suite, but larger parties can be well accommodated in temporary Marquee and chalet facilities.
There is a designated viewing area in the grandstand.
Monday 09 May
Sunday 12 June
Monday 13 June
Monday 04 July
Tuesday 05 July
Tuesday 02 August
Monday 15 August
Monday 05 September
Monday 26 September
The racecourse is one and a half kilometres from Roscommon town centre, and is located just off the Dublin to Castlebar road.
There is a direct train service between Dublin Heuston station and Roscommon station. Taxis are available to ferry race goers the short distance to the racecourse.
There are various Bus Eireann, and Goldline Express services, which operate to Roscommon from Dublin, Galway, and Sligo.
For full details on Bus Eireann services to Roscommon, please contact, Bus Eireann at Athlone bus station: 090 648 4406.
The nearest airport is at Galway. Although seventy six kilometres distant, Galway does have flights to Dublin, Belfast, and several UK destinations.
The Goldline Express 270 coach service runs from Galway bus station to Roscommon town square. Travelling time is around one hour forty minutes.
Michael Finneran,
Manager,
Roscommon Racecourse,
Racecourse Road,
Roscommon,
Co Roscommon.
Mobile: 0872 203 288.
A charming 18th Century Manor House, idyllically set on it’s own private grounds and gardens. The hotel proudly offers fabulous facilities including 50 beautifully decorated Bedrooms, a fully equipped Leisure Club with 20m Swimming Pool, Jacuzzi, Sauna, Steam Room & Plunge Pool, accompanied by a wonderful Therapy Room. The ever popular “Restaurant” is renowned in the region and we have the perfect venue for dining, whether it’s a Party, Special Occasion or Business Event.