Monday 25th of October 1999
Went with family and friends to Ireland’s top racecourse and premier racetrack, The Curragh Racecourse in Ireland for the Opening Ceremony and Guineas Festival 24-26th May 2019.
Being a horse owner, and one of our racehorses, Saltonstall, trained in Ireland by Ado McGuinness, running on the Friday night, we had access to the Owners Lounge on the 1st floor which overlooked the Parade Ring but not the racecourse which was a little disappointing and, because of its size, I believe would struggle to accommodate owners and trainers on big race days.
However, as recent owners of racehorses, we were buzzing and looking forward to the day ahead.
We were lucky enough to be able to visit the stables, with the trainers to make sure our horse had settled in before the race and we were allowed to go inside the parade ring to meet up with the Trainers and the jockey and see all the fine horses close up. Then off to the grandstand to cheer our horse on.
Although there were huge screens next to the course, and in the bar areas, none of the bars and restaurants actually overlooked the racecourse and in fact and you had to go to the main stand area to watch the racing.
There was some seating in the main stand area for non-members/public however higher up in the stand there were seats and bars which were for ‘members only’ which didn't appear to be busy and with not many seats occupied.
On the 3rd level there were private suites and top floor executive boxes. These were the only areas that I am aware of, that you could watch the horseracing comfortably from inside the stadium.
The 7,000 sq metre roof is amazing but the aerodynamics need some looking into as there was a loud whistling noise even though it wasn’t that windy.
Unfortunately our horse didn’t win but that didn’t stop us from enjoying the experience and we are confident that it is only time before our horse, Staltonstall wins a big race for us.
Although I believe there are some improvements needed at the Curragh, and I am reliably informed that there will be. Nevertheless, the Curragh is an amazing venue and it was a great overall experience and fun for all whether you are interested in thoroughbred racing or just like horses.
A great weekend spent with family and friends and already looking forward to our next race meeting at Galway in July/August when hopefully we might even get a Winner!
We stayed in the Keadeen Hotel, Newbridge which is only a 5 mins drive to the Curragh racecourse. The Keadeen has a variety of dining and bar options, pool, sauna, steam room, hot tub and fully equipped gym which gave you the opportunity to relax in between the race meetings.
The Keadeen is also situated close to nearby attractions including the Kildare Village Outlet.
It was a top-class day, in fact the whole weekend was amazing, and whether you are interested in thoroughbred racing, becoming an owner or forming a syndicate, or just like horses, the overall experience was incredible and I would definitely recommend to anyone for a great day out, socialising and excitement.
Looking forward to returning to the Curragh, hopefully with a winner!