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With so many racecourses in Ireland reflecting the strong culture and traditions of the sport it is perhaps unsurprising that there are many different types of course for race fans to attend. The smaller countryside courses tend to have an appeal based the friendly atmosphere and local flavour while the great international courses will draw crowds for the biggest races and most famous events. |
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In County Meath, things are done rather differently, with one course, Laytown offering the only official strand, or beach, racing in Europe and another, Navan, a course with local appeal but very big ideas. The quality of Navan races gets higher with every season and improvements and investments in the course are at the root of its continued success.
1920 saw the emergence of Navan races and rather than enjoying some historical heyday like some courses, Navan attendances have improved over the years with the highest attendance of over 5000 seen in 2001. The philosophy is simple and effective; by offering significant purses and great facilities the best horses will be in attendance and greater crowds will come and enjoy the racing.
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That this has worked a treat is shown by the number of horses which have triumphed at Navan going on to succeed in championship races. In the last decade alone, Navan winners Brave Inca, Hardy Eustace, and Moscow Flyer have all gone on to win at Cheltenham.
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What makes Navan races such good trials for the championship events is the race day atmosphere which ranges from the exciting to the electric and the track, a left handed oval of one mile and two furlongs which is undulating and has a steep uphill finish, perfect for sorting out the winners from the also-rans. It’s not just a trials course either and stages significant events of its own including the Tara, Boyne, and Lismullen Hurdles and Fortria chase, all with prize money at €50,000. The Sandra Kelly Memorial Novice Hurdle is worth €70,000 and biggest money race and showpiece event of the season is the Troytown Chase, with a prize of €85,000.
Most racecourses in Ireland feature both Flat and National Hunt racing and Navan is no exception. The emphasis is definitely on National Hunt fixtures though with the highlight Navan Races being held during the jump season in autumn and winter.
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All the stars of jump racing show up at Navan at some point in the season and the knowledgeable race crowd will be there in numbers to support them and enjoy the spectacle. There are plenty of fun race days too where the focus is on family activities and themed events during the summer and Ladies Day in October is always a popular event where fashions and fun take centre stage.
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Getting to Navan is easy. There are regular buses which travel the 48km from Dublin and bus transfers from Drogheda which is 24 km away. Admission into the course is €15 with €9 concessionary rates for students and OAPs. Discounts are available for groups of 20 people or more and children under 14 are admitted for free. For the standard of racing on show & the facilities & hospitality available, Navan races are excellent value for money, especially for a family day out in County Meath.
A selection of snack bars and a self-service restaurant provide the sustenance during race day with refreshments available in a choice of bars. There is also a range of private suites in which to enjoy the finest race day hospitality. With a capacity for between 65 and 125 people, all catering, drinks and betting facilities are provided for corporate events and private parties.
This website is operated by Websitebrokers Limited and is not affiliated to any one racecourse or group of racecourses. |
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