The earliest record of racing taking place in the vicinity of Dundalk was in the early part of the 19th century at Blackrock Strand and Haggardstown. The current racecourse is just half a mile from the town at Dowdallshill and held its inaugural meeting on 28th May 1889. The management are very progressive and on 26th August 2007 opened the first all-weather racecourse in Ireland, which includes a greyhound track, so ensuring that the facilities are constantly used throughout the year. The 1 ¼ mile floodlit left-handed oval course has a polytrack surface, with feature races the Diamond Stakes, a Group 3 race over 1 mile 2 furlongs and 150 yards, and the Mercury Stakes over 5 furlongs. It originally staged Flat and National Hunt meetings until 2002, but now offers Flat racing only. Currently the course hosts 37 fixtures annually.
I am grateful to Frank Heaney for the very rare Dundalk badge shown below. Whilst it is difficult to date, it does have one clue which might help, it was made by WEIR and they do not make the modern badges. If anyone can help date it then email johnwslusar@gmail.com
The Group 3 Diamond Stakes was first run at Phoenix Park over 1 mile 2 furlongs in 1988. It moved to Dundalk, via the Curragh and Fairyhouse, in 2008. A full list of results is shown below:-
1988 The Diamond Stakes over 1 mile 2 furlongs at Phoenix Park was won by Karaferya (5/1) trained by Michael Stoute and ridden by John Reid, beating Causa Sue (7/1) trained by R Connolly and ridden by Pat V Gilson, with Break Fast (16/1) trained by Dessie Hughes and ridden by Christy Roche in third
1989 The Diamond Stakes over 1 mile 2 furlongs at Phoenix Park was won by Bex (6/1) trained by Robert Armstrong and ridden by Willie Carson, beating Welsh Love (16/1) trained by Michael Grassick and ridden by R Quinton, with Wrapping (7/4 fav) trained by Paul Cole and ridden by Richard Quinn in third
1990 The Diamond Stakes over 1 mile 2 furlongs at Phoenix Park was won by Santella Bell (25/1) trained by Michael O’Brien and ridden by Warren O’Connor, beating Sunset Partner (7/1) trained by Jim Bolger and ridden by Christy Roche, with Walliser (8/1) trained by B V Kelly and ridden by Steve Craine in third
1991 The Diamond Stakes over 1 mile 2 furlongs at The Curragh was won by Elfaslah (11/2) trained by Harry Thomson Jones and ridden by Richard Hills, beating Zivania (10/1) trained by Jim Bolger and ridden by Christy Roche, with Whitesville (9/2 jt fav) trained by Michael Kauntze and ridden by Warren O’Connor in third
1992 The Diamond Stakes over 1 mile 2 furlongs at The Curragh was won by Misako-Togo (4/1) trained by Dermot Weld and ridden by Mick Kinane, beating Be My Hope (12/1) trained by Tommy Stack and ridden by Willie Supple, with Bold Hilibil (10/1) trained by Jim Bolger and ridden by Christy Roche in third
1993 The Diamond Stakes over 1 mile 2 furlongs at The Curragh was won by Eurostorm (7/1) trained by Con Collins and ridden by Pat Gilson, beating Tryarra (14/1) trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Lester Piggott, with Katiba (4/1) trained by John Dunlop and ridden by Willie Carson in third
1994 The Diamond Stakes over 1 mile 2 furlongs at The Curragh was won by Ballykett Nancy (11/8 fav) trained by Jim Bolger and ridden by Kevin Manning, beating Acumen (14/1) trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Richard Hughes, with Double On (11/4) trained by Patrick Flynn and ridden by John Egan in third
1995 The Diamond Stakes over 1 mile 2 furlongs at The Curragh was won by Viaticum (8/1) trained by Noel Meade and ridden by Joanna Morgan, beating Magic Feeling (7/2) trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Steve Craine, with Hasainya (9/4 fav) trained by John Oxx and ridden by Johnny Murtagh in third
1996 The Diamond Stakes over 1 mile 2 furlongs at The Curragh was won by French Ballerina (4/5 fav) trained by Pat Flynn and ridden by Mick Kinane, beating Asmara (9/1) trained by John Oxx and ridden by Pat Smullen, with Viaticum (3/1) trained by Noel Meade and ridden by Joanna Morgan in third
1997 The Diamond Stakes over 1 mile 2 furlongs at The Curragh was won by Red Affair (20/1) trained by John Oxx and ridden by Pat Shanahan, beating Samira (16/1) trained by Tommy Stack and ridden by Willie Supple, with Darrouzett (6/4 fav) trained by John Oxx and ridden by Johnny Murtagh in third
1998 The Diamond Stakes over 1 mile 2 furlongs at The Curragh was won by Darina (4/1) trained by Jim Bolger and ridden by Kevin Manning, beating Geisha Girl (8/1) trained by Charles O’Brien and ridden by Niall McCullagh, with Golden Cat (11/10 fav) trained by John Oxx and ridden by Johnny Murtagh in third
1999 The Diamond Stakes over 1 mile 2 furlongs at The Curragh was won by Remuria (8/1) trained by John Oxx and ridden by Niall McCullagh, beating Catherina (15/2) trained by Dermot Weld and ridden by Pat Shanahan, with Queen’s Love (14/1) trained by Jim Bolger and ridden by Paddy Brennan in third
2000 The Diamond Stakes over 1 mile 2 furlongs at The Curragh was won by Dolydille (9/4 fav) trained by Jim Bolger and ridden by Kevin Manning, beating Fantasia Girl (7/2) trained by John Oxx and ridden by Johnny Murtagh, with Tobaranama (6/1) trained by Dermot Weld and ridden by Pat Smullen in third
2001 The Diamond Stakes over 1 mile 2 furlongs at The Curragh was won by Jammaal (4/7 fav) trained by Dermot Weld and ridden by Pat Smullen, beating Chamela Bay (8/1) trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Mick Kinane, with Affianced (7/1) trained by Jim Bolger and ridden by Kevin Manning in third
2002 The Diamond Stakes over 1 mile 2 furlongs at The Curragh was won by Miss Honorine (4/1) trained by John Oxx and ridden by Johnny Murtagh, beating Sights of Gold (8/11 fav) trained by Dermot Weld and ridden by Pat Shanahan, with Chartres (12/1) trained by John Oxx and ridden by Seamie Heffernan in third
2003 The Diamond Stakes over 1 mile 2 furlongs at The Curragh was won by Napper Tandy (5/1) trained by Jim Bolger and ridden by Kevin Manning, beating Multazem (9/2) trained by Dermot Weld and ridden by Pat Smullen, with Mkuzi (6/4 fav) trained by John Oxx and ridden by Johnny Murtagh in third
2004 The Diamond Stakes over 1 mile 2 furlongs at The Curragh was won by Mikado (100/30) trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Colm O’Donoghue, beating Ecomium (9/2) trained by Jeremy Noseda and ridden by Eddie Ahern, with Mingun (6/1) trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Seamie Heffernan in third
2005 The Diamond Stakes over 1 mile 2 furlongs at The Curragh was won by The Carbon Unit (20/1) trained by Con Collins and ridden by Wayne Lordan, beating Liss Ard (16/1) trained by John Joseph Murphy and ridden by Danny Grant, with Imperial Brief (14/1) trained by Kevin Prendergast and ridden by Declan McDonogh in third
2006 The Diamond Stakes over 1 mile 2 furlongs at Fairyhouse was won by Mountain (9/10 fav) trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Kieren Fallon, beating Cool Touch (10/1) trained by Peter Casey and ridden by Oliver Casey, with Bon Nuit (33/1) trained by Mrs Jessica Harrington and ridden by Niall McCullagh in third
2007 The Diamond Stakes over 1 mile 2 furlongs at Fairyhouse was won by Arch Rebel (7/1) trained by Noel Meade and ridden by Fran Berry, beating Fracas (9/4 fav) trained by David Wachman and ridden by Wayne Lordan, with Crossing (20/1) trained by William Fitzpatrick and ridden by D J Moran in third
2008 The Group 3 Diamond Stakes over 1 mile 2 furlongs and 150 yards at Dundalk was won by Muhannak (7/1) trained by Ralph Beckett and ridden by Pat Smullen, beating Mr Medici (5/1) trained by Kevin Prendergast and ridden by Chris Hayes, with Fiery Lad (9/2) trained by Ger Lyons and ridden by Keagan Latham in third
2009 The Group 3 Diamond Stakes over 1 mile 2 furlongs and 150 yards at Dundalk was won by Mastercraftsman (2/9 fav) trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Johnny Murtagh, beating Fiery Lad (9/1) trained by Ger Lyons and ridden by Keagan Latham, with Augusthestrong (25/1) trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Colm O’Donoghue in third
2010 The Group 3 Diamond Stakes over 1 mile 2 furlongs and 150 yards at Dundalk was won by Gitano Hernando (9/10 fav) trained by Marco Botti and ridden by Kieren Fallon, beating Destined For Glory (6/1) trained by Ger Lyons and ridden by Keagan Latham, with Mid Mon Lady (33/1) trained by H Rogers and ridden by D C Byrne in third
2011 The Group 3 Diamond Stakes over 1 mile 2 furlongs and 150 yards at Dundalk was won by Freedom (13/2) trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Seamie Heffernan, beating High Ruler (16/1) trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden byColm O’Donoghue, with Zanughan (2/1 jt fav) trained by John Oxx and ridden by Johnny Murtagh in third
2012 The Group 3 Diamond Stakes over 1 mile 2 furlongs and 150 yards at Dundalk was won by Declaration of War (11/10 fav) trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Joseph O’Brien, beating Along Came Casey (20/1) trained by Dermot Weld and ridden by Pat Smullen, with Aloof (8/1) trained by David Wachman and ridden by Wayne Lordan in third
2013 The Group 3 Diamond Stakes over 1 mile 2 furlongs and 150 yards at Dundalk was won by Parish Hall (7/4 fav) trained by Jim Bolger and ridden by Kevin Manning, beating Manalapan (40/1) trained by Patrick Prendergast and ridden by Chris Hayes, with Afonso De Sousa (5/4 fav) trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Joseph O’Brien in third
2014 The Group 3 Diamond Stakes over 1 mile 2 furlongs and 150 yards at Dundalk was won by Cat O’Mountain (2/1 fav) trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by Fran Berry, beating Prince of All (4/1) trained by P D Deegan and ridden by Chris Hayes, with Bayrir (7/1) trained by Marco Botti and ridden by Colm O’Donoghue in third
2015 The Group 3 Diamond Stakes over 1 mile 2 furlongs and 150 yards at Dundalk was won by Panama Hat (8/11 fav) trained by Andy Oliver and ridden by Chris Hayes, beating Carla Bianca (9/4) trained by Dermot Weld and ridden by Pat Smullen, with Unsinkable (4/1) trained by Ger Lyons and ridden by Colin Keane in third
2016 The Group 3 Diamond Stakes over 1 mile 2 furlongs and 150 yards at Dundalk was won by Long Island Sound (4/5 fav) trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Seamie Heffernan, beating Battalion (6/1) trained by William Haggas and ridden by Pat Cosgrave, with Hawke (7/1) trained by Johnny Murtagh and ridden by Billy Lee in third
2017 The Group 3 Diamond Stakes over 1 mile 2 furlongs and 150 yards at Dundalk was won by War Decree (7/2) trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Donnacha O’Brien, beating Absolute Blast (8/1) trained by Archie Watson and ridden by Billy Lee, with Abingdon (7/4 fav) trained by Sir Michael Stoute and ridden by Pat Smullen in third
2018 The Group 3 Diamond Stakes over 1 mile 2 furlongs and 150 yards at Dundalk was won by Mootasadir (4/1) trained by Hugo Palmer and ridden by Pat Cosgrave, beating Global Giant (100/30) trained by Ed Dunlop and ridden by Gerald Mosse, with Kaloxana (6/1) trained by Michael Halford and ridden by Chris Hayes in third
The Group 3 Mercury Stakes over 5 furlongs was first run in 2008. A list of results is shown below:-
2008 The Group 3 Mercury Stakes over 5 furlongs was won by Borderlescott (4/5 fav) trained by Robin Bastiman and ridden by Pat Cosgrave, beating Invincible Ash (14/1) trained by Michael Halford and ridden by Rory Cleary, with Masta Plasta (100/30) trained by David Nicholls and ridden by Chris Hayes in third
2009 The Group 3 Mercury Stakes over 5 furlongs was won by Arganil (5/1) trained by Kevin Ryan and ridden by Keagan Latham, beating Calm Bay (20/1) trained by H Rogers and ridden by Willie Supple, with Green Manalishi (10/1) trained by Kevin Ryan and ridden by Declan McDonogh in third
2010 The Group 3 Mercury Stakes over 5 furlongs was won by Invincible Ash (13/2) trained by Michael Halford and trained by Gary Carroll, beating Hitchens (100/30 jt fav) trained by David Barron and ridden by Fran Berry, with Luisant (100/30 jt fav) trained by J A Nash and ridden by Colm O’Donoghue in third
2011 The Group 3 Mercury Stakes over 5 furlongs was won by Nocturnal Affair (5/2) trained by David Marnane and ridden by Colm O’Donoghue, beating Breathless Kiss (20/1) trained by Kevin Ryan and ridden by Declan McDonogh, with Balmont Mast (15/2) trained by Edward Lynam and ridden by Johnny Murtagh in third
2012 The Group 3 Mercury Stakes over 5 furlongs was won by Balmont Mast (7/2) trained by Edward Lynam and ridden by Johnny Murtagh, beating Nocturnal Affair (13/2) trained by David Marnane and ridden by Fergal Lynch, with Timeless Call (20/1) trained by Reginald Roberts and ridden by Chris Hayes
2013 The Group 3 Mercury Stakes over 5 furlongs was won by Timeless Call (6/1) trained by Reginald Roberts and ridden by Pat Smullen, beating Monsieur Joe (14/1) trained by Robert Cowell and ridden by Joseph O’Brien, with Angels Will Fall (6/4 fav) trained by Charlie Hills and ridden by Wayne Lordan in third
2014 The Group 3 Mercury Stakes over 5 furlongs was won by Sir Maximilian (7/4 fav) trained by Ian Williams and ridden by Stephen Donoghue, beating Abstraction (100/30) trained by R K Watson and ridden by Seamie Heffernan, with Russian Soul (9/4) trained by Michael Halford and ridden by Shane Foley
2015 The Group 3 Mercury Stakes over 5 furlongs was won by Take Cover (3/1) trained by David Griffiths and ridden by Fran Berry, beating Speed Hawk (9/2) trained by Robert Cowell and ridden by Colin Keane, with Marsha (9/4 fav) trained by Sir Mark Prescott and ridden by Chris Hayes in third
2016 The Group 3 Mercury Stakes over 5 furlongs was won by Caspian Prince (6/1) trained by Roger Fell and ridden by Declan McDonogh, beating Moviesta (9/1) trained by Edward Lynam and ridden by Billy Lee, with Medicean Man (12/1) trained by Jeremy Gask and ridden by Ronan Whelan in third
2017 The Group 3 Mercury Stakes over 5 furlongs was won by Take Cover (8/11 fav) trained by David Griffiths and ridden by David Allan, beating Hit The Bid (16/1) trained by D J Bunyan and ridden by Leigh Roche, with Declarationofpeace (9/2) trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Wayne Lordan in third
2018 The Group 3 Mercury Stakes over 5 furlongs was won by Hit The Bid (4/1) trained by D J Bunyan and ridden by Chris Hayes, beating Encore D’Or (5/1) trained by Robert Cowell and ridden by Shane Foley, with Lost Treasure (11/4 fav) trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Donnacha O’Brien in third
