History of Down Royal
Down Royal is a historic racecourse located in Northern Ireland. It is the only racecourse in the country to have continuously operated for over 300 years. The course is situated near the village of Maze, close to Lisburn in County Down.
Down Royal first opened its doors to racing in 1685, making it one of the oldest horse racing venues in the world. Throughout its history, the course has been an important part of the local community, hosting events for the local gentry and nobility.
Types of Races at Down Royal
Down Royal is most famous for its National Hunt racing, but it also holds flat races throughout the year. National Hunt racing is a type of horse racing that involves horses jumping over obstacles, while flat racing is a type of horse racing in which horses gallop on a flat surface.
National Hunt Races
Down Royal is home to some of the most prestigious National Hunt races in the country, such as the Royal Ulster Grand National, the Down Royal Champion Hurdle and the New Year’s Day Handicap Chase. These races attract some of the best horses and jockeys from across the UK and Ireland and offer substantial prize money.
Flat Races
Down Royal also hosts flat races throughout the year, including the Down Royal Classic. This race is one of the most prestigious and well-attended flat races in Northern Ireland. It is held in late April and offers a purse of €50,000.
What Are the Different Races at Down Royal?
Down Royal hosts a variety of different races throughout the year, including National Hunt and flat races. Below is a list of the different races that take place at the course:
- National Hunt Races:
- Royal Ulster Grand National
- Down Royal Champion Hurdle
- New Year’s Day Handicap Chase
- Flat Races:
- Down Royal Classic
- Maze Handicap
- Down Royal Summer Cup
- Down Royal Silver Plate
Famous Races at Down Royal
Down Royal is home to many famous races, with the Royal Ulster Grand National being one of the most well-known. This race is held every March and typically features some of the best horses and jockeys in the country. The race was first run in 1876 and is the longest steeplechase in the country, covering a distance of 4 miles, 5 furlongs and 14 yards.
The Down Royal Champion Hurdle is another famous race that takes place at the course. This race is held every November and is one of the most prestigious jumps races in Ireland. It is a Grade One race and offers a purse of €150,000.
Notable Horses at Down Royal
Many famous horses have raced at Down Royal throughout its history. One of the most notable is Arkle, who won the 1963 Down Royal Champion Hurdle. Arkle went on to become one of the greatest steeplechasers of all time, winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup three times.
Other notable horses to have raced at Down Royal include the legendary Red Rum, who won the 1973 Grand National, and Desert Orchid, who won the Royal Ulster Grand National in 1989.
Notable Jockeys at Down Royal
Down Royal has also been home to some of the most famous jockeys in horseracing history. Most notably, Pat Taaffe, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest jockeys of all time, won both the Grand National and the Royal Ulster Grand National at the course.
Other notable jockeys to have raced at Down Royal include Tony McCoy, who won the Champion Hurdle at the course in 1993, and Ruby Walsh, who won the New Year’s Day Handicap Chase in 2008.
Conclusion
Down Royal is one of the oldest and most prestigious racecourses in the world. It has hosted some of the greatest horses and jockeys in the history of the sport and is home to a variety of different races, including National Hunt and flat races.
Some of the most famous races at the course include the Royal Ulster Grand National, the Down Royal Champion Hurdle and the New Year’s Day Handicap Chase. Famous horses to have raced at Down Royal include Arkle, Red Rum and Desert Orchid, while notable jockeys include Pat Taaffe, Tony McCoy and Ruby Walsh.