Richard Gauthier Collection

Gowran Park Racecourse

Racing first took place in the Gowran Park area of Kilkenny at Jenkinstown and Danesfort in the 19th century. However, the racecourse at Gowran Park is one of the most recent Irish courses, first opening its gates on Tuesday 16th June 1914. The course offers both Flat and National Hunt racing, with its most prestigious race, the Thyestes Chase, often used as a preparatory race for Cheltenham. Both the mighty Arkle and Flyingbolt won the Chase prior to their Cheltenham successes. The course now boasts modern facilities which were completed in 2003. Currently the course hosts 16 fixtures annually.