Clonmel

Clonmel is an Irish racecourse blessed with a scenic wooded setting which gives it that touch of character that is impossible to artificially create.

Quick Facts About Clonmel

Racing was conducted at Clonmel (Powerstown Park) since the early 19th century and was free to spectators but in an era when racecourses were becoming commercial entities its owner Villiers Morton Jackson enclosed the park and charged the public 2 shillings for their pleasure. In return people had access to a grandstand and were protected from having their pockets picked by thieves or being ripped off by rogue 3-card trick men because Jackson hired detectives to root out such tricksters and pickpockets, it was like Wyatt Earp coming to clean up the place. There are no such nefarious activities going on there now, just enthusiastic people enjoying good racing in a fine setting. Course record crowd is 5,900.

Clonmel Revealed

Clonmel is an Irish racecourse blessed with a scenic wooded setting which gives it that touch of character that is impossible to artificially create. In a wider setting it is nestled in the Suir river valley between the Comeragh mountains to the south and Slievenamon to the north, and is an equally charming place to be in the dead of winter as in the heat of summer. It has been in the dead of winter that it has been most illuminated by some of the brighest stars in jump racing because its winter showpiece event in November, the Grade 2 Clonmel Oil Chase, has been contested and won by some great horses. Beef Or Salmon has been a regular competitor in the race and was involved in one of its most epic renewals, when he was just beaten by Edredon Bleu in 2003. The latter, who had previously been the Champion 2-mile chaser in Britain, won the King George Chase on his next outing, a demonstration of the quality of the event. But the horse that deserves special pride of place in the annals of this race is the gallant Dorans Pride, one of the great crowd-pullers of Irish racing in the last decade. He won the race an amazing 4 years in a row, 1997-2000.

Course Characteristics

The course is right-handed, undulating, with a stiff uphill finish and is one mile and two furlongs in length.

How To Get There

By Road:
It is 48 km north-west of Waterford, 38 km south-east of Tipperary Town, 80 km south-east of Limerick and 160 km south-west of Dublin, 85 km North-east of Cork

By Bus:
Clonmel bus station is a short walk or a shorter taxi ride from the racecourse. For more see www.buseireann.ie

By Air:
The airport in Waterford (52 km) is the closest to the course. Cork (85 km) and Shannon (95 km) are next closest.

Admission

Refreshment Facilities

A self-service restaurant, 2 bars and snack bars.
Disabled Facilities
Wheelchair Stand

Corporate Facilities

Private catering can be arranged in the Supporters Club Bar.

Après Racing

Places of interest include Coolmore Stud in Fethard, Cahir Castle and the Rock of Cashel. There are several golf courses in the greater area.