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Famous International race courses... Sligo, S. Ireland

Race Courses around the world - Sligo Grandstand

Race Courses - Sligo 

Continue with me on my journey to discover some of the most famous racecourses 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. 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. 

Hills Around Sligo

The race course is situated just outside the town of Sligo in Cleveragh Drive, near Cleveragh House.

Chris Wigg at Sligo Races

Sligo Race Courses Entrance

Sligo Racecourse Stables

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...

Royal Recognition and Historical Significance

In later years, I was intrigued to learn that on May 20th 2015, Sligo Racecourse once again hit the headlines and this time for more than just another day at the races. Prince Charles and Camilla the Duchess of Cornwall, decided to take in a race meeting on the final evening of their two-day trip to Ireland Royal Visitors - County Sligo Races.

This historic occasion elevated Sligo from a charming country track to a venue worthy of royalty, with the second race on the card named in honour of the Royal Visitors, 'The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall Mares Maiden Hurdle'.

The visit marked a significant moment in Irish racing history, as the cavalcade rolled into the enclosure amidst loud applause from the waiting crowds, welcomed by Kieran O'Connor (chairman) and other dignitaries.

This royal endorsement came just as the facilities had undergone a major upgrade in recent years and it is widely considered to be one of the better country tracks for racegoers. Sligo Course Guide | At The Races

Winning Post

Main Bars

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.

Main Bar

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.

Courtyard Menu

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.

The Track's Character and Challenge

A sharp, undulating, right-handed track with a circuit of just over a mile, Sligo presents unique challenges for both horses and jockeys.

Every single metric supports the theory that the closer you are to the pace on the flat at Sligo, the better your chance of winning and the better value offered by that runner.  This makes for exciting racing where front-running tactics often pay dividends.

Racing Through the Centuries

After a little research conducted at our charming Irish cottage, I discovered that the racing heritage of Sligo stretches back much further than the current course. The earliest record of racing in the vicinity of Sligo was a four-day meeting at Bowmore, Rosses Point from Monday 17th to Thursday 20th September 1781. This inaugural meeting featured a race restricted to 4 and 5-year-olds, which Intruder, owned by Mr William Fenton, won.

The racing then moved location several times before settling at its current home. By 1873, the meeting had transferred to Hazlewood, near the banks of Lough Gill, on land owned by Mr John Wynne and remained there for 13 years.

The modern course was built at Cleveragh, or Cleveragh Demesne, on land purchased by Sligo Borough Council from the Wood-Martin Family in the Forties – originally for use as a public park – and staged its first fixture in August 1955.

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 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... 

Modern Racing Programme

Today's Sligo maintains its charm while hosting eight Flat and National Hunt fixtures each year, between May and October, with a two-day meeting staged on consecutive weekdays in August –which includes the Guinness Sligo Handicap Hurdle, worth €11,500 to the winner –typically proving most popular.  

The venue has embraced evening racing, with the second day of that fixture featuring evening racing, adding to the atmospheric experience as shadows lengthen across the spectacular mountain backdrop.

Parade Ring at Sligo

Natural Beauty and Atmosphere

What truly sets Sligo apart is its setting. Located 140km north of Galway, it is one of the most scenic tracks in Ireland, with there being wonderful mountain views from the stands.

The combination of racing action and natural beauty creates an unforgettable experience that has racing enthusiasts returning year after year, making it truly deserving of its reputation as one of Ireland's most picturesque sporting venues.

The track continues to balance its historic charm with modern amenities, ensuring that whether you're a local punter or a royal visitor, Sligo racecourse offers an authentic Irish racing experience against one of the most stunning backdrops in world sport.

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 (which, unlike the Duchess of Cornwall, we were not in a position to purchase)

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