The Curragh - Behind the Scenes

‘Where Champions Are Made’ describes the globally iconic Curragh Racecourse in Co. Kildare, Ireland’s premier racecourse and home to over 1,000 racehorses in training on the Curragh training grounds, just a 30-minute drive from the centre of Dublin.

Take a tour behind the scenes at the Curragh Racecourse, to locations that are strictly offlimits to the public on race days and gain an insight into what it is like to experience a race day as a jockey, a racehorse trainer and a racehorse owner. Whether you are a seasoned racing fan or a first-time visitor, we will share unique insights, both human and equine, behind the scenes at the Curragh Racecourse that will enhance your future race going experience.

• Experience a fully guided tour of one of the world’s most iconic racecourses

• Go behind the scenes to locations such as the jockeys changing room, the saddling boxes and the top floor balcony

• Discover what it is like to be a professional jockey and immerse yourself in their world

• Learn about a day at the races from a racehorse’s experience

• Imagine what it is like to be a racehorse owner with a runner at the Curragh

Starting in the depths of the grandstand, in the Jockeys Changing Room, you will discover what a day at the races is like from the perspective of a professional jockey. From here we will follow their route to the Weigh Room, where we will explain the procedures and rules jockeys must adhere to before and after every race, before handing over their saddle to their racehorse trainer. With a saddle in hand, we will follow in the footsteps of a racehorse to the saddling boxes in the Pre-Parade Ring where we will tack up a mannequin racehorse. Here we will explain the some of the equipment used for racing as well as the unique attributes that make the thoroughbred racehorse one of nature’s wonders. Once our racehorse is tacked up, we will proceed from the Pre-Parade Ring to the Parade Ring where owners meet their trainer and jockey before each race. Finally, we will guide you to the top floor of the grandstand to our fine dining restaurant, a VIP area on race days, where you will experience the stunning views from the balcony overlooking the racetrack and gallops below. From here you may see racehorses exercising on the gallops below, following in the hoof prints of so many champions trained on the Curragh training grounds.

Meet your guide in main reception. Contact Details 045-441205 reception@curragh.ie Booking Terms & Conditions See the Curragh website for more details. Mobility • Tours require a low level of fitness; however, each tour involves approximately 500m (1600 feet) of intermittent walking. • The tour route has full wheelchair accessibility. Access • The Curragh is easily accessed by car but is not a regular bus route. Capacity 10 – 25 pax (more on request)