Vincent Hinde Collection

Down Royal Racecourse

Along with its near neighbour Downpatrick, Down Royal first had a connection with racing through its association with the Down Royal Corporation of Horsebreeders in 1685; its Royal Charter was issued by James II. Racing has been held on the current course at Maze since the early 18th century, developed on land donated by Arthur Hill, 1st Marquess of Downshire. One of the earliest prestigious races run at the track was the £100 Kings Plate donated by King George II in 1750. Over 260 years later a race, Her Majesty’s Plate, is still contested at the track with funds donated from the Privy Purse. Over time the meetings were billed as both Maze and Down Royal races. Today the principal Flat races at the track are the Ulster Derby over 1 mile 4 furlongs and the Ulster Oaks, whilst the Grade 1 JNwine Champion Chase over 3 miles is the main steeplechase held at the track. Other feature races include the Grade 2 Skymas Chase, the Grade 2 WKD Hurdle and the Grade 3 Down Royal Mares Novice Hurdle. Although racing was administered by the Down Royal Corporation of Horse Breeders, the track was owned by the Merrion Property Group. This relationship worked well until October 2018 when disputes arose, culminating in the last meeting of the Down Royal Corporation in December 2018, with the Merrion Property Group taking over full responsibility in January 2019. Currently the course hosts 11 fixtures annually.