Tipperary Racecourse is a popular horse racing venue located in County Tipperary, Ireland. It is a dual usage course that stages both National Hunt and flat racing throughout the year from April to October. The course is owned by Horse Racing Ireland and is situated adjacent to Limerick Junction railway station, approximately two miles from Tipperary town.
Tipperary Racecourse is renowned for its scenic setting and challenging track. The oval track is a mile and two furlongs in length and features a straight track of five furlongs that joins with the main track at the entrance to the two and a half furlong straight. A high draw has been slightly favoured at five furlongs, more so on soft going. The course attracts a large number of visitors every year who come to experience the thrill of horse racing in one of Ireland’s most beautiful regions.
Whether you are a seasoned racing enthusiast or a first-time visitor, Tipperary Racecourse has something to offer everyone. From the excitement of the races to the stunning views of the surrounding countryside, it is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in horse racing. This guide will provide an overview of everything you need to know about Tipperary Racecourse, including its history, facilities, and upcoming events.
Getting to Tipperary Racecourse
Tipperary Racecourse is located in County Tipperary, Ireland. It is easily accessible by road, train, and air.
By Road
The racecourse is situated on the main Limerick-Waterford Road (N24), just two miles from the centre of Tipperary town. There is ample free parking available on-site for race-goers, and specific disabled parking bays are also available. The following table provides the distances to Tipperary Racecourse from nearby towns:
| Town | Distance (miles) | Distance (km) |
|---|---|---|
| Cashel | 18 | 29 |
| Limerick | 19 | 30 |
| Kilkenny | 51 | 82 |
By Train
Regular train services from Dublin (Heuston Station) and Cork to Limerick Junction Station, which is within easy walking distance of the track. The following table provides the approximate train travel times from major cities in Ireland to Limerick Junction Station:
| City | Approximate Travel Time |
|---|---|
| Dublin | 2 hours 15 minutes |
| Cork | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Galway | 2 hours 30 minutes |
By Air
The nearest airport to Tipperary Racecourse is Shannon Airport, which is approximately 56.5 km away. From Shannon Airport, visitors can take a taxi or hire a car to reach the racecourse. Helicopter landing facilities are also available for those who prefer to arrive in style.
In conclusion, Tipperary Racecourse is easily accessible by road, train, and air. Visitors can choose the mode of transportation that best suits their needs and enjoy a day out at one of Ireland’s premier horse racing venues.
Tipperary Racecourse Facilities
Tipperary Racecourse offers a variety of facilities to ensure that visitors have an enjoyable and comfortable experience. The facilities are divided into four categories: Racetrack, Family, Hotel, and Golf Course.
Racetrack
The racetrack is the main attraction at Tipperary Racecourse. It is a dual usage course that stages both National Hunt and flat racing throughout the year from April to October. The track is well-maintained and offers a challenging course for the horses and jockeys. There are also grandstands and viewing areas for spectators to watch the races.
Family
Tipperary Racecourse is a family-friendly venue with a range of activities for children. The Kids Zone offers bouncy castles, face painting, and other fun activities. There is also a playground and a petting zoo for children to enjoy. The racecourse offers free entry for children under the age of 18, making it an affordable day out for families.
Hotel
The Tipperary Racecourse Hotel is a four-star hotel located on the racecourse grounds. It offers comfortable accommodation for visitors who want to stay overnight. The hotel has 58 rooms, all of which are en-suite and equipped with modern amenities. There is also a restaurant and bar on-site, serving a range of food and drinks.
Golf Course
The Tipperary Golf Club is located adjacent to the racecourse. It is an 18-hole parkland course that offers a challenging game for golfers of all levels. The course is well-maintained and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. There is also a clubhouse on-site, serving food and drinks.
Overall, Tipperary Racecourse offers a range of facilities to ensure that visitors have an enjoyable and comfortable experience. Whether you are a horse racing enthusiast, a family looking for a fun day out, or a golfer looking for a challenge, Tipperary Racecourse has something to offer.
Types of Races at Tipperary Racecourse
Tipperary Racecourse hosts both National Hunt and Flat racing events throughout the year. Each type of racing has its unique characteristics and attracts different types of horses and jockeys.
National Hunt
National Hunt racing, also known as jumps racing, is a type of horse racing that involves jumping over obstacles such as hurdles and fences. These races are typically longer than flat races and require more stamina and jumping ability from the horses.
Tipperary Racecourse hosts a number of National Hunt races throughout the year, including the Joe Mac Novice Hurdle and the Tipperary Hurdle. These races are graded 2 or 3, which means they attract high-quality horses and jockeys.
Flat Racing
Flat racing is a type of horse racing that takes place on a level track without any obstacles. These races are typically shorter than National Hunt races and require speed and agility from the horses.
Tipperary Racecourse hosts a number of Flat racing events throughout the year, including the Concorde Stakes and the Like A Butterfly Novice Chase. These races are also graded 2 or 3, which means they attract high-quality horses and jockeys.
In addition to these events, Tipperary Racecourse also hosts other types of races such as maidens, handicaps, and stakes races. Each race has its unique rules and regulations, and the horses that participate in these races must meet certain criteria.
Overall, Tipperary Racecourse offers a wide variety of races that cater to different types of horses and jockeys. Whether you are a fan of National Hunt or Flat racing, you are sure to find exciting and competitive races at Tipperary Racecourse.
Tipperary Racecourse History
Tipperary Racecourse has a rich history dating back to 1848 when racing was held at Barronstown Course. The current track, which was previously known as Limerick Junction Racecourse until 1986, held its first race in September 1916.
Over the years, Tipperary Racecourse has hosted a number of notable races, including the Fairy Bridge Stakes which is named after a famous mare who won the Irish 1,000 Guineas and the Irish Oaks in 1985. The race is run over a mile and is open to fillies and mares aged three and older.
In addition to the Fairy Bridge Stakes, Tipperary Racecourse also hosts a number of other important races throughout the year, including the Tipperary Crystal Irish EBF Fillies’ Sprint Stakes and the Coolmore Stud Fairy Bridge Stakes.
The course itself is located adjacent to Limerick Junction railway station and is approximately two miles from Tipperary town. It is owned by Horse Racing Ireland and is a popular destination for both National Hunt and Flat racing enthusiasts.
In recent years, Tipperary Racecourse has undergone significant renovations and improvements, including the installation of a new all-weather track. These upgrades have helped to ensure that the course remains a top destination for horse racing fans from around the world.
Major Races at Tipperary Racecourse
Tipperary Racecourse is one of the most popular horse racing venues in Ireland, hosting a variety of races throughout the year. The racecourse is well-known for its National Hunt (jump) and Flat racing events, attracting thousands of racing enthusiasts from all over the country. Here are some of the major races that take place at Tipperary Racecourse:
Super Sunday
Super Sunday is the busiest and most well-attended event of the year at Tipperary Racecourse, held on the first Sunday of October. This event features four notable races: the Joe Mac Novice Hurdle, the Concorde Stakes, the Tipperary Hurdle, and the Like a Butterfly Novice Chase. The event is known for its exciting atmosphere and is a must-see for any horse racing fan.
Joe Mac Novice Hurdle
The Joe Mac Novice Hurdle is a Grade 3 National Hunt hurdle race that takes place during Super Sunday. This race is open to horses aged four years and older and is run over a distance of 2 miles. The race is named after Joe Mac, a former jockey and trainer who was a popular figure in Irish racing.
Concorde Stakes
The Concorde Stakes is a Group 3 flat race that takes place during Super Sunday. The race is open to horses aged three years and older and is run over a distance of 7 furlongs. The race is named after Concorde, a famous Irish-bred racehorse who won the Irish 2,000 Guineas and the Irish Derby in 1973.
Tipperary Hurdle
The Tipperary Hurdle is a Grade B National Hunt hurdle race that takes place during Super Sunday. This race is open to horses aged four years and older and is run over a distance of 2 miles and 4 furlongs. The race is known for its challenging course and is a popular event among racing enthusiasts.
Like a Butterfly Novice Chase
The Like a Butterfly Novice Chase is a Grade 3 National Hunt chase race that takes place during Super Sunday. This race is open to horses aged five years and older and is run over a distance of 2 miles and 4 furlongs. The race is named after Like a Butterfly, a famous Irish-bred racehorse who won the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham in 2002.
Grade 2
Tipperary Racecourse also hosts a number of Grade 2 races throughout the year, including the Tipperary Chase and the Coolmore Stud Home of Champions Concorde Stakes. These races attract some of the top horses and jockeys in the country and are highly competitive events.
In conclusion, Tipperary Racecourse is a must-visit destination for any horse racing enthusiast, with a variety of exciting races taking place throughout the year. Whether you’re a fan of National Hunt or Flat racing, there’s something for everyone at this iconic Irish racecourse.
Notable Trainers at Tipperary Racecourse
Tipperary Racecourse has been the venue for some of the most exciting horse racing events in Ireland. Over the years, many notable trainers have graced the racecourse with their presence. Here are two of the most notable trainers at Tipperary Racecourse:
Stephen Grehan
Stephen Grehan is a renowned Irish horse trainer who has achieved a lot of success at Tipperary Racecourse. He has been training horses for over 25 years and has won many major races. Grehan has a keen eye for talent and is known for his ability to train horses that go on to become champions.
Grehan has trained many horses that have won races at Tipperary Racecourse, including “In The Present”, “Majestic Concorde”, and “Talitha Kum”. He is also known for his work with jockeys, and many of his horses have been ridden to victory by some of the best jockeys in the business.
Charles Moore
Charles Moore is another notable trainer at Tipperary Racecourse. He has been training horses for over 30 years and has a wealth of experience in the industry. Moore is known for his ability to train horses that perform well in both flat and jumps races.
Moore has trained many horses that have won races at Tipperary Racecourse, including “Alf Wright”, “Ballyadam Brook”, and “Ballygill Heights”. He is also known for his work with apprentices, and many of his apprentices have gone on to become successful jockeys.
Both Stephen Grehan and Charles Moore are highly respected trainers in the horse racing industry. They have achieved a lot of success at Tipperary Racecourse and have trained many horses that have gone on to become champions. If you are looking to back a horse at Tipperary Racecourse, it is worth keeping an eye on the horses trained by these two trainers.
Conclusion
Tipperary Racecourse is a popular venue for both National Hunt and Flat racing in Ireland. Owned by Horse Racing Ireland, the course is located adjacent to Limerick Junction railway station and approximately two miles from Tipperary town.
The left-handed, flat, oval track of a mile and two furlongs in length is well-maintained and attracts a good number of horses and jockeys. The course has a straight track of five furlongs that joins with the main track at the entrance to the two and a half furlong straight. A high draw has been slightly favoured at five furlongs, more so on soft going.
Tipperary Racecourse hosts up to eleven flat and jump meetings annually from October through to April. The feature raceday at Tipperary Racecourse is “Super Sunday,” which is held annually at the beginning of the season.
Owners and trainers are well catered for at Tipperary Racecourse. The Owners Guide provides all the necessary information for owners, including details on facilities, admission, and hospitality.
In summary, Tipperary Racecourse is a well-regarded and popular racing venue in Ireland. With its excellent facilities and well-maintained track, it is a favourite among both horses and jockeys. Horse Racing Ireland’s ownership ensures that the course is well-supported and maintained to a high standard.
