The name Wexford is a derivative from the town’s Viking prestige and the urban centre has long been connected with jockeys and Irish horse breeding. Some individuals, as well as horses from this region, have attained distinguished fame as a result of their National Hunt achievements. This is why Wexford Racecourse ranks highly as one of the most famous sporting centres not just in Ireland but also throughout Europe and the outside world.
The contemporary racing sight in Wexford is a huge departure from what it was during the early times of the town’s horse riding legacy. The very first racing archives date back to the mid-1870s, even though Wexford went through a largely quiet duration until around 1951. From those days, both the racecourse and the town became enthusiastically involved in Hunt Racing and within a short time, they were singled out for churning outstanding jump horses and horse riders. As such, the success story of Wexford is akin to the proverbial rise from grass to grace.
It all began on the 15th day of October 1951 with the grand opening of a new sporting facility at Bettyville. Newspaper surveys put the turn-out figures at about 17,000 and a great deal of effort and managerial acumen had to go into the important event to make sure that things were smoothly handled. Both ladies and gentlemen of those early days enjoyed the unmistakable thrill of the galloping horses pounding down the then fledgeling track. Before the end of the auspicious day, Wexford had gotten firmly engraved in the immortal annals of Irish racing. Ever since that widely publicised and celebrated event, Wexford Racecourse has steadily risen through numerous obstacles to become one of the chart-topping horse racing venues on earth.
Presently, Wexford Racecourse is a largely sharp, right-handed rectangle-shaped racetrack. It has five prominent fences and four hurdles and a short a rather short run that measures one furlong. The excellent combination makes for stimulating hunt races and the location can be effortlessly reached by train. There is enough parking for 200 members of the public and additional car parking is available for both trainers and owners. There is also a cloak room, a baby changing area, three different stands, two bars, a cafeteria and a restaurant and an unrestricted payphone, while wheelchair access further adds to the satisfaction of a special day at the races for physically underprivileged persons.
If you’re looking at Wexford as a prospective location, the Carriglawn Room can take care of up to 80 persons and is always available for private hire. There are also some good hotels in and around the Wexford Racecourse and a lot of great attractions to savour while visiting. Enjoy a day at the races to find out more about Wexford Racecourse firsthand.
Visit Wexford racecourse website here
Contact details: Wexford Racecourse, Bettyville, Newton Road, Wexford, Ireland
Tel: 087 3828099
info@wexfordraces.ie
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