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Co. Tipperary is often regarded as the premier county of Ireland; the place which most defines Irish culture, history and scenic beauty. Horseracing certainly plays a major role in Ireland’s sport and leisure, and Co. Tipperary presents the very best examples of these too.
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A renowned centre for horse breeding, Tipperary is home to Coolmore Stud; a thoroughbred horse breeding operation which is the largest of its kind in the world.
Also home to some superb racecourses, Clonmel is one which makes the most of the stunning woodland surrounds, presenting the perfect environment for well attended and high quality Clonmel racing.
The town of Clonmel has seen two centuries of horseracing, culminating in the present course, Powerstown Park, which is situated 2km from the town centre. The largest crowd seen at the course was 5,900 and all Clonmel racing fixtures attract a knowledgeable crowd who appreciate a standard of racing higher than might be expected from a local course.
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Part of the appeal is certainly the setting, which in addition to the beautiful surrounding woodland within by the Suir River, extends beyond to the mountains of Comeragh and Slievenamon.
Those spending their summers in and around Clonmel can certainly incorporate some excellent summer racing into their outdoor activities schedule but the setting is no less dramatic and impressive in the heart of winter and this is when the showpiece Clonmel racing fixtures take place. The Grade II National Hunt event, the Clonmel Oil Chase, is held in November and attracts the greatest names in jump racing.
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Beef or Salmon has graced the field many times in this race and was involved in one of the most exciting finishes in 2003 when beaten at the finish by champion 2-mile chaser Edredon Bleu, who himself went on to win the King George Chase on his very next time out.
Dorans Pride, one of the best loved Irish horses, won the Clonmel Oil Chase four times in succession, from 1997 to 2000, giving further evidence of the stature of Clonmel in the National Hunt calendar. Flat races are held too at Clonmel but the star attractions for racing purists are the winter jump races. The track is a one mile and two furlong oval, right-handed and with stiff challenges presented by the undulating surface and tough uphill finish. The atmosphere at the course is always great whatever the event and newcomers are always made welcome.
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Admission to the course costs €15 for adults and is free for children under 14. Students and OAPs can enjoy Clonmel racing for €9 and there are discounts available for group bookings. Enjoy a good value group or family day out, filled with the thrills and excitement of the races or make the most of the long days and fun nights with the evening fixtures held in May, June and September. There is a self-service restaurant on site as well as a selection of snack bars.
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Refreshments are available in two bars, the T. A Morris Bar which is at the lower level of the Grandstand, and the Supporter’s Club Bar which offers balcony views over the finishing line.
There is a further bar within the Club Stand at Clonmel Racing, a premier area within the course which has a capacity for 1,000 people.
Tables can be booked within the Club Stand for groups and private celebrations and for larger corporate race day events there is a private function room in the lower grandstand which can accommodate up to 150 guests.
The recently refurbished Sponsor's Room, which has prime balcony viewing, can also be booked for private events and can seat 30 persons.
This website is operated by Websitebrokers Limited and is not affiliated to any one racecourse or group of racecourses. |
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