Richard Gauthier Collection

Naas Racecourse

The inaugural meeting at Naas racecourse was on Thursday 19th June 1924 on a left handed course with a very long run in. The meeting came into being as a result of the determination of Thomas Whelen, a local businessman, who formed a group with other businessmen in the area, each putting forward a sum of £200. The racecourse is located about 18 miles from Dublin and stages both Flat and National Hunt races. Although it has no grade one races, it does host the grade 2 Slaney Novice Hurdle and the Newlands Chase. It has attracted top quality horses in the past, including Ragusa the winner of the Irish Derby, and the great Arkle who won three consecutive Cheltenham Gold Cups. Currently the course hosts 14 fixtures annually.