Famous International race courses...continue with me on my journey to discover some of the most famous race courses in the world. The year 2011 takes me to one of the most picturesque of race courses in Southern Ireland, Sligo Races in County Sligo, the land of Song, Guinness and Racehorses - what a journey it turned out to be. 1,380 miles from my home in Plymouth to Sligo and back by car but well worth every mile. For driving through Ireland is pure pleasure as the roads are mostly uncongested and well maintained. I travelled by Irish Ferries from Pembroke to Rosslare and thence via the main roads to the townland, Tullantanty, where my sister, Sarah and I stayed at a traditional Irish cottage, kindly lent to us by a cousin.
The race course is situated just outside the town of Sligo in Cleveragh Drive, near Cleveragh House.
There are 2 public entrances from this road - one for pedestrians and the other for cars with free parking on grass in the centre of the course. This is also where the trainers bring their horse boxes for unloading near the stables... 
The entrance fee for adults is 15 euros and 10 euros for senior citizens and students, while children under 14 get in free. We were also given a voucher which entitled us to a free bottle of Budweiser beer and a baguette worth 10 euros each redeemable at the nearby Sligo Park Hotel - Rathanna Bar which we duly took advantage of after the races. The Turf Race Track: Is a right handed oval of about 1 mile with starting points for flat racing at 6 1/2f, 1m4f and 1m2f. There is also jumps racing on an inner track. There is a slight uphill finish.
The main bar and restaurant are located in a large and airy modern building. The bar serves the usual beers, lagers and wine with a pint of Guiness costing 4 euros, lager 4.30 euros both served handsomely in a real glass. The restaurant serves excellent homemade food and Sarah tucked in with relish to a large plate of Lasagne, salad and chips for just 10 euros. For food of this quality the prices are very reasonable... Both men and ladies toilets are clean and well maintained and there are more toilets in separate blocks. There appeared to be no problem with disabled access as most facilities are located on the ground floor.
In front of this building is the main concourse complete with giant mobile screen and where the oncourse bookmakers set up their stands. To one side is the grandstand which affords a good view of the entire race course. In fact wherever you stand the horses are never out of view. The Racecard for 3.0 euros is informative and attractively produced in colour.
Continuing beyond the grandstand on our way to the pre-parade ring we encountered a group of young St John's Ambulance volunteers giving someone the bumps - a birthday celebration perhaps. This was typical of the relaxed and friendly reception we received from all staff, an attitude that even extended to a familiar and chatty race commentary over the public address. The pre-parade ring doubles as the winners enclosure and reminded me a little of the one at Deauville racetrack with its easy access and surrounded by trees... 
All in all we thoroughly enjoyed the races and even managed to end the day in profit thanks to a couple of winners in Core Element and Gra Geal Mo Chroi. 
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