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For some people Ireland is typified by charming little towns set in wonderful natural landscapes and for others the defining characteristic will be the lively pubs or the rich cultural contributions in literature or music. For anyone who loves sport and enjoys a bet then Ireland is horseracing and there is a place, off the main tourist routes, which manages to combine all of these aspects with apparent ease and that is Roscommon.
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A ‘must do’ for anyone who appreciates good racing in an authentic Irish setting, Roscommon racing provides the thrill of the races, the hospitality to match and the further delights of the town itself.
Roscommon is the county town of Co. Roscommon, which sits in the heart of Ireland. Traditions hold strong in the town, from the local Gaelic Football stadium to the classic Irish bars in which to enjoy some lively social interaction over a drop of the black stuff. It is no surprise then that the town has a popular venue featuring that most traditional of Irish pursuits, horseracing. Roscommon racing takes place just 1km from the centre of the town and the course is on the Castlebar to Dublin road. Many race fans arrive from Dublin by train on the regular services to Roscommon station.
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Racing in the town goes back countless generations but begun in earnest in 1885 when the racecourse officially opened. Although very much a well loved local course throughout its history, the course has seen some fiercely contested races featuring some future champions. Imperial Call will be remembered for his Cheltenham Gold Cup success in 1996 but perhaps less so for coming third in his first outing at Roscommon.
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Another notable horse, Enzelli won a race at Roscommon in 1998 but he too will be better remembered for a later success, the very next year, when he won the Ascot Gold Cup and was the first Irish horse to do so in thirty years.
The Roscommon racing facilities are first class, with stabling for 95 horses and regularly upgraded features and amenities for racegoers. Developments continue apace and in 2004 the award-winning course was officially recognised as the most improved in Ireland. As the facilities improve, the standard of races is as high as ever due to trainers using Roscommon to introduce their best prospects for the coming seasons. The keen race fans enjoy trying to spot the future stars of racing while everyone enjoys the strong level of competition and large fields.
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The viewing positions at the course are great from all public stands and enclosures which certainly adds to thrill and enjoyment of any Roscommon racing fixture and the main highlight of the season in particular, which is the Kilbegnet Novice Chase. This is staged in October and is a Grade III event worth €40,000.
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Other popular events are held in June and July and these are perhaps best known for pre- and post-race festivities in the town, when the full social aspects of Roscommon racing become apparent.
Entry to the course costs €13 for adults on weekday meetings and Saturdays, and €15 for the Sunday races. Concessions are available for OAPs and students who enjoy a €5 saving on admission prices and children get into Roscommon races for free. Dining facilities include a self-service restaurant, a spacious dining room, and tea and snack bars. There is a choice of bars for enjoying drinks. Corporate events and other group celebrations for 20 to 60 persons can be catered for within designated facilities and additional marquees can be set up to accommodate many more. Hospitality packages can be arranged.
This website is operated by Websitebrokers Limited and is not affiliated to any one racecourse or group of racecourses. |
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