Downpatrick 2000bt.JPG (37824 bytes) DOWNPATRICK RACECOURSE Downpatrick 1955.JPG (22950 bytes)
It is known that racing has taken place in the Downpatrick, County Down area of Ireland since the first recorded meeting in 1685. It was held on a 3 mile long, horseshoe shaped course a short distance away from the present day course. In 1690 the stallion The Byerley Turk raced at the course.

 
Downpatrick 2006.JPG (8369 bytes) The current course is just over a mile from Downpatrick and has witnessed racing since early 1800. Downpatrick_2002.JPG (11593 bytes)
The principal race at the course is the Ulster National. Back in 1962, on 6th April, the Queen Mother had a runner called Laffy trained by Peter Cazalet. In those days it was called the Ulster Harp National because of its sponsors. The Queen mum attended the course to support her charge and amazingly Lafy won the race despite being second past the post. Connkehely was first passed the post but had previously run out at a fence. The commentator Michael O'Heir was said to have remarked 'The horse in front is not winning but the second is in the lead'.
Downpatrick_1978.JPG (14242 bytes)  

On Sunday 21st March 2004 history was made at the course when it held the first ever Sunday race meeting to be held in Northern Ireland.

 Downpatrick_2001.JPG (12478 bytes)
Downpatrick 1970KT.JPG (37443 bytes)

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If you have badges, racecards, pictures of the racecourse or further details about the course, including your memories, then email johnslusar@fsmail.net