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The first race meeting to be held
at Downpatrick was over 300 years ago – 1685. Racing has
continued to take place with few interruptions since. Situated
one mile away from the centre of the historic town of Downpatrick,
racing has been held on the present course for the last 200
years.
A tight undulating track of 1 1/4 miles; many top National Hunt
heroes have started their careers at Downpatrick including the
dual National winner Rhyme n’ Reason, Cheltenham winners
Rathgorman, Tourist Attraction and Sparky Gayle.
Downpatrick is possibly the friendliest course in Ireland with
a strong local following. It has a supporters club which was
formed in the early ‘70s and has raised substantial sums
since its inception. Notably, Downpatrick is one of the few
racecourse where all races are sponsored. |
