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Wherever racing is held throughout the world, the name of Ireland and the reputation of its horses, jockeys, trainers and breeders is held in high esteem. Not surprisingly then, Ireland can guarantee the horse-racing enthusiast exciting and colourful racing and an opportunity to watch great horses and top class riders in action.

No one can say for certain when the first horse race was in Ireland, but chances are it all started when Celtic charioteers challenged each other's turn of speed on the plains of Kildare. The going would have been good, the pace furious, and the onlookers both noisy and knowledgeable. So it is possible to say that some things have changed very little over the centuries as regards racing in this country.

"Going Racing" in Ireland is regarded as something more than a spectator sport. Participants are expected to get into the spirit wholeheartedly, preferably wagering a few pounds on their choices, and supporting the efforts of both horses and riders with very little of reserve. Competition is intense and everyone is partisan. Some of the horsemen and some of the riders, may have come from 'across the water' adding to the spirit of the occasion. The racing ties between Ireland and Britain are traditionally strong with many of the quality horses racing in Britain being Irish-bred, while a number of British based owners have horses in training in Ireland.

It is the atmosphere of racing in Ireland, which accounts for its ever-growing popularity as a 'great day out'. It also accounts for the fact that more and more visitors find that 'going racing' is one of the best and quickest ways to get a glimpse of Ireland's heart. For much of what is best about the country is to be found in its almost mythical relationship with the horse… the quality of the breeding, the intensity of the training, the skill and daring of the riders.

The race meetings, themselves are informal. Children are always welcome, and those too small to see over the rails can, at many courses, entertain themselves in a play area. Naturally there are refreshments - bars and restaurants - and virtually all courses offer televised coverage so punters are not forced to decide between the finish of the race and finishing their drink. With 28 race courses in the country, and racing at least 250 days of the year, there's always a meeting within reasonable distance. From the heart of Dublin, the capital city, one generally can enjoy an afternoon at the races and be back in time for dinner.

Many of the race courses are world famous and rightly so. A visitor may well feel a racing holiday in Ireland would be incomplete without a day at the Curragh, for instance. This course, situated on the plains of Kildare where the first chariot races took place, is now the venue for the five prestigious Classic race meetings. Leopardstown, Fairyhouse, Punchestown, Naas and Naven are other premier metropolitan tracks with their own appeal, while the great Festival meetings which combine National Hunt and Flat racing at Galway, Killarney, Tralee and Listowel, as well as picturesque Gowran Park draw country visitors in large numbers. Laytown Strand Races holds a special attraction. It is the only recognised strand race meeting in Europe and its annual August date is determined by the tide! There are a number of lesser known, but not to be missed courses to provide the stuff for outings which will be remembered for years.

Going racing is an increasing popular holiday theme for visitors to Ireland. Enthusiasts happily devote a week to one of the Festivals of Flat and National Hunt racing. Corporate entertainment packages now frequently include a day at the races on the agenda.

FLAT RACING

Between mid March and mid-November some 1,400 races are run, the majority of them on the Flat. Top venue for Flat racing is the Curragh (cuirreach is the old Gaelic word for race course) and it is here that the five Classics are run, the 2,000 Guineas and 1,000 Guineas, the Derby, the Oaks and the St. Leger. Leopardstown's summer cards feature many Group and Listed races.

There are meetings at which Ireland's most famous trainers and jockey's vie not only for the considerable prize-money but for the honour of leading their thoroughbreds to the hallowed winner's enclosure.

NATIONAL HUNT RACING

National Hunt racing is hugely popular with the Irish racing public, and no wonder, as it was born here. On the day in 1752 when Mr. Blake and Mr. Callaghan challenged each other to a race in the county of Cork between the steeples of Buttevant and Doneraile churches, steeplechasing was born. Today, steeplechasing, along with racing over hurdles, is carried on under the banner of National Hunt racing.

For sheer excitement, you can't beat the National Hunt, as brave horses and determined riders charge the obstacles at upwards of 30 mph. It's a thrill that can be savoured throughout the year, as National Hunt meetings are held regularly at a number of courses.

The bone and stamina bred into the Irish horse ensure they are well suited to the challenge of this sport both here and abroad as Irish bred equine greats such as Arkle, Prince Regent, Hattons Grace, Golden Miller, Easter Hero, Cottage Rake, Monksfield, Dawn Run, Night Nurse and Red Rum all attest.

Some Irish horses point-to-point before they race under Rules, but most make their first racecourse appearance in the 'bumper' - a flat National Hunt race generally run over two miles and confined to amateur jockeys. This is nearly always the final race of the day and more often than not records the largest betting turnover.

POINT-TO-POINTS

Most point-to-point meetings take place on Sundays during a season which stretches from early January to May. These are amateur rider events and all the more hotly contested for that. To qualify, a horse must have hunted that season, and although professional riders are barred, the standard of both horse and rider is such that many will eventually go on to race under Rules.

Most point-to-points take place over three miles of open country with spectators cheering them on from the hillside. Finishing well in one of these events calls for soundness and fitness of both horse and rider - as well as a lot of courage and a little luck. Very little prize-money is involved in point-to-points but nowhere is the will to win greater.

While point-to-points are held country wide, the most devout following is in Co. Cork where crowds of up to 2,000 have been known at places such as Lisgoold, Liscarroll, Buttevant and Bartlemy.

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