DOWNPATRICK RACECOURSE.
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Introduction:
King Charles the seconds 1665 Act of Parliament established the initial rules of horse racing, and the first Irish venue to stage a meeting under the rules was Downpatrick in 1685. This makes the town the oldest consistent venue for official rules horse racing in the whole of Ireland.
Although the original racecourse was situated near the current track, it was completely different in layout, being described as a horseshoe shaped course measuring three miles in length.
After just a few years, the old course was abandoned, and this means the current racecourse site has staged virtually uninterrupted race meetings for over three hundred years.
Throughout its long racing history, Downpatrick has played host to many outstanding racehorses. In 1690, one of the founding fathers of modern thoroughbred racehorses, the Byerley Turk, ran in a race at Downpatrick before Carrying its owner Colonel Robert Byerley, to the Battle of the Boyne. It is said, in the battle, horse and rider avoided capture due to the horses speed of foot.
In more recent years, Downpatrick has been included in the winter campaigns of Grand National and Cheltenham winners.
The modern racecourse is set in the beautiful countryside of County Down, and its ten annual fixtures include both flat and national hunt race days. The course enjoys tremendous local support, but its friendly atmosphere is attracting more and more visitors from further a field. This is particularly true for the day of the Powers Whisky Ulster National, which takes place in February of each year.
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Track facts:
Downpatrick stages both flat and national hunt racing.
Both courses are run right handed on a fairly tight track measuring nearly one mile three furlongs in circumference.
Starting a circuit from the finishing line, the course bends around into its longest straight section, then bends again to a smaller straight, bends again to a similar straight, and then makes its home turn into a short home straight of only one furlong.
From the turn into the short home straight, the course starts an extended gradual climb which takes in the short one furlong run in to the winning post, and then continues around the first bend and longest straight section. A comparable descent occurs in the sections of the course which precedes the home turn.
During the national hunt season, the five hurdles are laid out on the flat course. Unusually, there is no hurdle on the short one furlong home straight, instead, the hurdles occupy positions on the three other straight sections described above.
The seven fences on the steeplechase course are laid out as follows: three plain fences on the first and longest straight section, an open ditch and a plain fence on the second straight section, and then two more plain fences on the straight section prior to the home turn. There are no fences on the short one furlong run in to the winning post.
Enclosures and hospitality:
Enclosures and hospitality:
The listings below do not include the facilities available to Annual Members, or Owners and Trainers.
Grandstand and Paddock Ticket.
The modern Grandstand is situated opposite the winning post, and provides excellent viewing for up to one thousand five hundred race goers.
The enclosure has three public bars, and Justines Restaurant offers hot meals, including its renowned Irish stew.
Corporate boxes are available in the grandstand, and for bigger parties, marquees with their own bar and betting facilities can be arranged.
For the perfect start or finish to a perfect day say it with flowers:
Disabled facilities:
A viewing platform suitable for wheelchairs is available in the Grandstand.
Wheelchair access is available to hospitality areas.
To obtain concessionary rates for Carers, please contact the racecourse.
Fixtures:
In 2009 -
Saturday 17 October.
Friday 18 December.
In 2010 -
Wednesday 03 March.
Sunday 28 March.
Friday 07 May.
Sunday 23 May.
Tuesday 13 July.
Sunday 08 August.
Monday 30 August.
Wednesday 22 September.
Saturday 16 October.
Friday 17 December.
TRANSPORT LINKS.
By Road:
The racecourse is situated two kilometres from Downpatrick town centre, and 35 kilometres from Belfast.
Race goers coming from Dublin and the south should take the N1 to Newry, and then the A1 to Lisburn. Thereafter follow the signs to Downpatrick.
From Belfast, take the A2 to Bangor, and then follow the signs to Downpatrick.
By Rail:
High speed Belfast to Dublin trains stop at Lisburn railway station, and taxi services are available from this point.
By Bus:
From Monday to Saturday, Goldline Express operate the 215 service from Belfast Europa bus station to Downpatrick bus station. Journey time is one hour.
Downpatrick bus station is only 1 kilometre from the racecourse.
For further details on bus services, telephone Ulster Bus on,
UK tel no: 028 90 66 66 30.
By Air:
The nearest international airports are Belfast City and Belfast International. Between them, these airports offer numerous connections to London, Dublin, and many regional airports in the United Kingdom and Eire.
For parties of eight or more, who intend to travel to Downpatrick racecourse from either of the Belfast airports, please contact the racecourse to obtain information on concessionary travel.
CONTACT DETAILS.
Address:
Downpatrick Racecourse,
24 Ballydugan Road,
Downpatrick,
County Down,
Northern Ireland,
BT30. 6SP.
UK tel no: 028 44 61 20 54.
From Eire, tel no: 00 44 28 44 61 20 54.
UK fax no: 028 44 61 59 23. Race days only.
From Eire, fax no: 44 28 44 61 59 23. Race days only.
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ACCOMMODATION.
Slieve Donard Resort & Spa
UK tel no: 028 43 721 066.
From Eire tel no: 00 44 28 43 721 066.
Nestling at the foot of the Mourn Mountains, the luxurious four star Slieve Donard Hotel stands in its own six acre estate, and provides unequalled access to a beautiful coastline and the Royal County Down Golf Club. The hotel is now able to combine its fine Victorian heritage with a recent 15 million pound redevelopment, which has included refurbishment and extension of the resort facilities. Situated only 20 minutes drive from Down Patrick Racecourse, the Slieve Donard Resort & Spa is the ideal venue for
race-goers wishing to combine their passion for racing with a totally relaxing break in idyllic surroundings.
Bringing the term ‘luxury’ to a new level, all of the hotel’s 178 guest rooms are finished in traditional style, and offer the kind of room amenities discerning guests would expect in a superior four star hotel. Most rooms also provide stunning views of the Mountains of Mourn, or the magnificent coastline with its golden beaches. Guests can have their choice from 72 classic rooms, 32 deluxe rooms, 12 executive rooms, 56 resort rooms, and 6 outstanding suites. Naturally, 24 hour room service is available throughout the resort, and our warm and friendly staff are always on hand to offer advise and assistance when required.
Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, the Oak Restaurant provides the ultimate experience in culinary delights. Using only the finest local produce, the restaurant serves mouthwatering cuisine in a charming dining room with oak panelling and a fabulous central fireplace. When it comes to socialising, the hotel has several options, including; Chaplin’s Bar, named after the famous comedian who stayed in the hotel in 1921, the Lighthouse Lounge, situated beside the Spa, and providing excellent views of the coastline and mountains, the Horizon Juice Bar within the Spa, while the Percy French Inn is a relaxing pub within the hotel grounds which serves a full range of bar meals and drinks.
A round of golf can be arranged in advance of your visit, as can the extensive selection of facial and body treatments available in the Slieve Donard Spa. To obtain full details on all the Slieve Donard facilities, or to book directly, use the link below.
