Downpatrick Racecourse has a long and interesting history. The first race meeting was originally held over 300 years ago in 1685 at the old grounds a few miles down the road from where it is situated today. Racing has continued to take place throughout the years with few interruptions since the first race. The current Racecourse is situated one mile away from the centre of the historic town of Downpatrick and racing has been held on the present course for more than 200 years.Â
Like many other Irish racecourses, Downpatrick boasts a great local following and crowds flock to the attractive venue whatever the weather. The racecourse itself is a tight undulating track of 1 1/4 miles. Over the years, a number of high-class horses have raced at Downpatrick, including the 1947 Aintree Grand National winner Caughoo and Rhyme And Reason who won the same race in 1988.Â
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Feature Races at Downpatrick:
Randox Ulster National EBF Handicap Chase
24 Ballydugan Road Downpatrick Co. Down Northern Ireland BT30 6TE
By Road: From Dublin you can take the M1 from Dublin to Newry then A1 to Lisburn. This is the quickest route but has tolls. Downpatrick is 35km of Belfast, take the A2.Â
By Bus:Bus Eireann have a bus from Dublin-Newry-Downpatrick. For more details see www.buseireann.ieBy Rail: High-speed trains run from Belfast to Dublin, stopping at Lisburn
By Air: Nearest Airport is Belfast International.Â
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