Earliest meeting: February 1808
Final meeting: Monday 10th February 1851
The Irish racecourse at the town of Lemonfield, in County Limerick, was well supported by the local inhabitants between its launch in 1808 and the final meeting in the first phase just 6 years later. It was launched, along with a number of others in the county, including Newcastle West and Rathkeale, at a time of economic uncertainty, but still thrived for six seasons. Racing then ceased, but returned until 1826 before lapsing again for 23 years, returning a second time in the middle of the century. The meeting on Monday 19th March 1849 took place on a course a good distance from the town centre and required a cab, gig or four-wheeled barouche for most people to reach the course. The 3 mile flat race, run in heats, was won by Mr Vincent’s Red Witch who got the better of Kate Fisher and Little Fisher. The feature race, the Lemonfield Hurdle over four feet high hurdles, was won by Mr O’Brien’s Jolly Owl defeating Lord Lurgan’s more fancied Rusty. After the steeplechase meeting on Monday 10th February 1851 races continued to be held, but were of minor significance, although Lemonfield continues to run popular Point-to-Point meetings. |
Monday 19th March 1849
Lemonfield Hurdle over 1 ½ miles and 4 feet hurdles
1. Jolly Owl, chestnut gelding owned by Mr O’Brien
2. Rusty, chestnut gelding owned by Lord Lurgan
2. Maid of Lodie, bay mare owned by Mr Fahy |
Much of the information about this course has been found using internet research and is in the public domain. However, useful research sources have been:-
London Illustrated News
Racing Illustrated 1895-1899
The Sporting & Dramatic Illustrated
Northern Turf History Volumes 1-4 by J.Fairfax-Blakeborough
The Sporting Magazine
A Long Time Gone by Chris Pitt first published in 1996 ISBN 0 900599 89 8
Racing Calendars which were first published in 1727 |
