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If asked for one sporting pursuit associated with Ireland, the answer from most people would be horseracing and they would probably mention County Kildare. One of the foremost horse breeding, training and racing centres in the world, Co. Kildare is home to the Irish National Stud, Osborne Stables, and no less than three superb racecourses. The most famous of these is the Curragh which hosts all five Flat race Irish classics. When it comes to jump racing there is Punchestown, which hosts the National Hunt Festival of Ireland, and then there is Naas, the racecourse of the county town of Kildare and where the cream of both flat and jump racing start their careers and return to defend their Naas racing honours.
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The town of Nass derives its name as a meeting place for the ancient kings of Ireland. A fitting venue then for the ‘sport of kings’, if horseracing has a spiritual home then this is it. Naas racing began on the 19th June, 1924 and on the opening day, legendary 15 times champion flat jockey Morny Wing won one of the races and set the scene for an incredible array of champion jockeys and horses ever since.
In the 1960’s, Arkle, Mill House, and numerous Grand National winners raced at Naas, and in more recent times Damson, the 2-year old Irish Champion, won at Naas before triumphing at Royal Ascot as did subsequent winners of the Cheltenham Festival, Danoli, Pizarro, Imperial Call and the famous Irish hero Dorans Pride.
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The reputation of Naas racing as a trial for champions is well founded and ever since the racecourse was established, flat, steeplechase and hurdle events have all been staged. There are various reasons which make Naas such an effective trial venue, the location being of prime importance.
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Being at the heart of the thoroughbred capital of Ireland, and perhaps the world, certainly helps, but the course is more than that. The track provides all the required challenges to sort the good from the great and the racing brings with it an incredible atmosphere at Naas, where a loyal race crowd and great many visitors can enjoy some of the best races, view the best prospects, and indulge in some excellent hospitality in the process.
Naas racing is also a favourite with casual racegoers, groups, families and those looking for corporate entertainment. The course is just 32km from Dublin with bus services laid on during race days, offering a chance for anyone to spend a fun day away from the capital.
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Themed events are popular, from family fun days with bouncy castles and face painting to barbeque summer nights with live music to follow the racing. The public facilities at the course are exceptional, with three bars and a choice of dining environments from the snack area of the Opera Hat Bar to the Carvery Restaurant, situated behind the grandstand.
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Another great aspect of Naas racing is the price. Admission for adults is €15 and this includes a free €5 voucher for food and drink and a €5 betting voucher. Concessions are available for students and OAPs and anyone under 18 gets in for free. A discount of 20% applies for groups of 10 people or more. Considering the quality of the racing on show and scope and standard of facilities available, a day at Naas races is exceptional value for money.
The more sophisticated side of horseracing is available too at Naas; where fine dining and corporate hospitality complement the racing perfectly. Exclusive hospitality packages are available for the Corporate Suite and the Panoramic Restaurant, with prices starting from just €40 per person.
This website is operated by Websitebrokers Limited and is not affiliated to any one racecourse or group of racecourses. |
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